Americans appear increasingly willing to pay a premium to satisfy their chocolate cravings.

Sales of premium chocolate continue to account for a growing percentage of the overall $16 billion chocolate industry, a figure that is expected to reach $18 billion by 2011, according to market research firm Packaged Facts.

By then, premium chocolate is expected to represent 25 percent of the market and produce $4.5 billion in sales, the firm says. That's up from 17 percent of the market last year, and just 13 percent in 2002.

— Associated Press

COMPADRES' FESTIVAL

GET READY TO TEQUILA YOURSELF SILLY

Consider yourself a lover of fine Mexican tequilas? Don't miss the annual Tequila Festival Sept. 1-16 at Compadres Bar & Grill. Chef Raul Puga will have an array of daily specials, all made with signature tequilas, including fajita prawns with 1800 on Mondays and tortilla-encrusted chicken with Hornitos on Fridays. Throughout the festival, there will also be Blow Out Tequila Festival Shots for $5, with blanco tequila by labels such as Cabo Wabo, Casadores, Herradura and Don Julio. Details: 591-8307.

— Advertiser Staff