Gourmet Article

Here's some sweet news: people all over the country can still enjoy that crown jewel of New Orleans
the King Cake
this Mardi Gras season.

For those who don't know
a King Cake is an oval-shaped bakery delicacy-a cross between a coffee cake and a French pastry that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. It's decorated in royal colors or Purple for Justice
Green for Faith and Gold for Power: These colors were chosen to represent a jeweled crown honoring the wise men who brought gifts to the Christ Child on the Epiphany. A tiny plastic baby is hidden inside. Whoever gets the piece with the prize is named "King for a day."

Some of the most popular King cakes are those created in New Orleans at the famous Randazzo's Camellia City Bakery. Despite the devastation of Hurricane Katrina
the store recently reopened its doors and took part in a special program with DHL to bring a taste of home to displaced New Orleanians
residents and others for Mardi Gras.

Explained Tricia Zornes
owner of Randazzo's
Continuing local traditions like Mardi Gras helps revitalize the New Orleans economy, improves morale and shows the world that we can rebuild and re-establish the culture that has made New Orleans special.


To help the rebuilding and celebrate the reopening
shipping company DHL developed a festive
co-branded shipping box
specially designed to open from the top to protect the rich icing and traditional shape. In addition
according to Zornes
the shipper's sales representative offered his own time and effort to rebuilding the bakery after nearly everything was lost
from the valuable baking equipment to the building itself. "In addition to helping us create a new distribution process
he went beyond the call of duty in offering to help paint
or do any odd jobs that would help us get up and running quickly
said Zornes.


DHL has been committed to leveraging its resources to support disaster relief and long-term reconstruction along the Gulf Coast
and is now pleased to be able to support the private sector in rebuilding their businesses and their livelihoods
said Kay Hart, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, DHL Americas.