Fairtrade chocolate producer Divine Chocolate has joined forces with Belgian fine chocolatier Devas to create its first upmarket selection box.

The chocolates, which are made using premium Fairtrade cocoa from Ghana, have been developed using recipes created by Belgian chocolate expert Devas.

"Devas was really keen to move into Fairtrade and we were looking for a new opportunity, so it seemed like a good experiment," said head of communications Charlotte Borger.

"The boxed chocolates use a different production method in the traditional Belgian style. Until now our chocolate was mainly produced in our factory in Germany."

The luxury black and gold box, priced £9.99, is listed exclusively in Waitrose from this month and contains 16 chocolates in six different flavours.

"Consumer tastes are going in a more premium direction," said Borger.

"We wanted to present different ways to experience chocolate, which is why we went into bakery earlier this year with muffins and cookies."

In preparation for Christmas, Divine is also bringing out another gift option - a collection of six individually wrapped 14g slim bars of Divine's 70% Dark Chocolate.

Divine's dark chocolate range is selling well, according to Borger, who said the latest 100g variant, Fruit & Nut 70% Dark Chocolate made with currants & chopped almonds, had outperformed expectations.

As part of its Christmas line-up, Divine will also be bringing back its Advent Calendar and Golden Coins, plus nets of mini foil-wrapped milk chocolate Christmas Puds under its sister brand Dubble.

A Divine Chocolate recipe book has also been published ahead of the festive season, priced at £19.99.