I am in need of a chocolate panettone; a popular gift item at this time of year I am sure. Not entirely sure why it has to be Panettone with Chocolate, but that was the request.

I have tracked down five different online merchants that offer this Italian specialty. Vallebona lists a 750g Panettone with Chocolate Bits at £12 on the second page of their Christmas list, but loose points for an uninspiring, blurry photo. Not a great way to entice the punters guys. More impressive is the 1kg Chocolate Panettone offered by Machiavelli also at £12 (pictured).

I was getting very excited by the produce and wines listed by the Italian Wine Merchants. The Panettone is not a chocolate version but does come in a very nice tin. It is listed at just £8.95 for 750g on page 1 of their Food section. But the lack of full contact details (postal address etc which I thought were a mandatory requirement for internet selling) and a shaky website put me off. I have emailed them for details as I am tempted by some of the other interesting food and wine items.

Well known Italian specialists Camisa have added a 1kg Chocolate Pannettone to their Christmas list this year. Not too sure about the packaging and the price, £14.95, is a little higher than the others.

From Edinburgh Valvona & Crolla have a panettone that is made exclusively for them near Milan by a small, family run, artisan producer. £15.95 for a 1kg cake.

Finally coffee specialists James’ Gourmet Coffee list 500g of Loison Italian Chocolate chip panettone at £9.50 and Betty’s By Post have added orange to their version that comes in at £7.95 for 600g.

A twist on the classic Italian festival cake, our Panettone is made with natural orange oil, orange peels, sultanas soaked in orange juice and dark chocolate pieces. Delicious served just as it is, it can also be toasted and spread with butter.

Plenty of choice there then; just have to make a decision…