The Minions-themed chocolates for Universal Studios Singapore are made by Taizhou Happy Love. [Photo/Tide News]

A production and packaging workshop of Taizhou Happy Love — a company based in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province — was bustling on Aug 27, as boxes of Minions-themed chocolates were prepared for shipment to Universal Studios Singapore. This marks the first time Taizhou-made chocolate has been exported.

The order totals 2 metric tons of chocolates, valued at over 400,000 yuan (about $55,952), with the first batch comprising more than 16,000 boxes weighing about 1.1 tons. 

Founded 12 years ago, the company previously focused on the domestic market, supplying commemorative chocolates for Tsinghua University's anniversary and collaborating with the Tsingtao Beer Museum.

With its accumulated experience, the company began expanding overseas and became an authorized Universal Studios supplier this year. Each box is priced at $10, with individual chocolates selling for seven to eight yuan. The products have also earned the highest-level food safety certification in Singapore, reflecting strong market recognition.

To ensure a smooth export, Taizhou customs assisted the company with early registration and set up a specialized guidance team to provide tailored policy and technical advice. Measures such as appointment-based clearance, rapid release, cloud-issued inspection certificates, and priority inspection channels helped reduce transit time and protect the chocolates from the summer heat, which can cause melting or deformation.

The first shipment has boosted confidence for further overseas expansion. Chen Xiyan, chairperson of Happy Love, said the company is now negotiating an order for Indonesia, with the next batch of exports expected soon.