Who invented the chocolate fountain?

Answer 1

A Canadian firm called Design and Realisation invented the chocolate fountain. This firm manufactures baking equipement out of stainless steel and they created the auger mechanism that elevates the warm chocolate fluid up to the top of the device where it flows out and down the tiers. Design and Realisation invented this device in the early 1980's, but it did not catch on as a popular catering equipment idea until sometime between 2002 and 2003. Several companies saw this unique fountain at various trade shows in the late 1990's and commented on how clever this device seemed. The only problem with the fountain was that the chocolate wouldn't stay fluid and would harden and clog up the fountain. Other equipment manufacturers discovered that by simply adding oil to the contents would keep the chocolate flowing at a smooth and consistent rate. Other manufacturers improved the way the chocolate was kept warm so that it would flow properly.

In early 2002 another equipment manufacturer began building their own version of the chocolate fountain that seemed to some to be nearly identical to the one that was built in Canada. This competing firm changed the design slightly and therefore improved it's operation. This competing firm began manufacturing a chocolate fountain in the U.S. to compete with the original version that was built in Canada. After widely advertising their U.S. made design, the chocolate fountain that was built in America caught on as an extremely popular piece of catering equipment. Another manufacturer took notice and this third firm started building a new and improved design using overseas manufacturing capabilities. The third firm launced several popular sizes and made some very practical enhancements to the fountain sign. During the next few years it seemed that everyone wanted a chocolate fountain at their party. Other manufacturers and distributors took notice and they started producing their own chocolate fountains. Now many caterers and entrepreneurial types have their own chocolate fountain rental businesses. There are many people distributing chocolate fountains or offering them for rental. It seems that the chocolate fountain will not be passe for many years. Unlike the champagne fountain, it seems that chocolate fountains will be popular party enhancements for many years to come.

It is not clear why and how Design and Realisation came up with this ingenious idea back in the late 1980's. It is not clear why this firm wasn't able to stop the American's from copying their clever idea. It is apparent that Design and Realisation developed a fantastic idea and they should be credited with the fact that they are the inventors of the original chocolate fountain.