Madécasse Chocolate and Whole Foods Market (WFM) are releasing two limited-edition specialty chocolate bars for the 2013 Holiday Season -- Winter Spice and Peppermint. The two seasonal bars, a part of an ongoing partnership, are available exclusively at Whole Foods Markets nationwide starting this month.

Winter Spice is a 63% dark chocolate bar featuring warm ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg notes. The result is a gingerbread kick to instantly get you in the holiday mood.

Peppermint, also a 63% dark chocolate bar, has the refreshing cool flavor of Madagascar mint and nutmeg, providing a warm spice finish. Definitely not your average stocking stuffer!

"Every chocolate bar we make in Africa helps change the status quo there," said Tim McCollum, co-founder of Madécasse Chocolate and Vanilla. "We are proud to have Whole Foods and their customers participating in the change this holiday season."

There are 239 chocolate brands available for purchase in the United States. Only one brand – Madécasse – is made entirely on the continent of Africa. This is significant because 70 percent of the world's cocoa comes from Africa and less than one percent of the world's chocolate is made there.

"Working with Madécasse on these exclusive bars was a no brainer for Whole Foods Market," said Dwight Richmond, global grocery purchasing coordinator for Whole Foods Market. "We're always searching for great products that raise the bar on quality and taste. These chocolate bars do both, while supporting a great cause that shoppers can feel good about." 

To learn more about Madécasse and the company's work in Madagascar, visit: www.madecasse.com.