Spoilage of chocolate pralines, due to growth of microorganisms
tolerating low water activity, causes problems in the confectionary industry.
Each year 143 000 tonnes chocolate confectionary products
are discarded in Europe because of physical–chemical and microbiological
spoilage, summing up to an annual cost of 1.2 billion Euros for the
chocolate industry (Svanberg, 2012). Therefore, an increased knowledge
on which organisms are present in the chocolate fillings and
their tolerance towards low aw, pH, ethanol and other preservatives is
needed.