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Tag: cacao

  • Swiss Chocolate Giant Läderach Expands To Hong Kong: Eyes Further Growth In Asia

    Swiss Chocolate Giant Läderach Expands To Hong Kong: Eyes Further Growth In Asia

    Läderach, the renowned Swiss luxury confectionery brand, has unveiled its first outpost in Hong Kong, situated at the K11 Musea. This exciting venture was made possible through collaboration with Valiram, a leading retail management company in Southeast Asia. The new chocolate shop occupies a prime spot on the first floor of the bustling K11 Musea shopping complex.

    Eyeing Global Expansion

    Johannes Läderach, the CEO of Läderach, shared their ambitious plans for continued growth and expansion. He emphasized that the brand is not only focusing on strengthening its presence in already robust markets like North America, Austria, and Germany, but is also keen on penetrating new markets with promising potential. These include countries like Japan, South Korea, Philippines, and Indonesia.

    Breaking Into The Middle East

    Läderach has already made its mark in the Middle East by launching its first flagship store in Egypt. This was accomplished through a strategic alliance with a local franchise partner.

    Future Growth in the APAC Region

    Within the APAC region, the company has set its sights on further expansion before the year’s end, with new store openings lined up in Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia.

    History and Global Presence

    Since its founding in 1962, Läderach has been recognized for its selection of fresh, handcrafted chocolates. The brand boasts over 140 stores in 25 countries, reflecting its strong international operation.

    Läderach has previously broadened its premium confectionery offerings, introducing its unique Dubai chocolate range to the global market. The new lineup has found its way to various countries such as the US, Canada, various European countries, and the Philippines.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Läderach’s current expansion plan?
    Läderach plans to continue its growth by not only strengthening its presence in existing markets like North America, Austria, and Germany, but also by venturing into new markets such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

    Has Läderach entered the Middle Eastern market?
    Yes, Läderach has entered the Middle Eastern market by opening its first flagship store in Egypt.

    What new offerings has Läderach introduced recently?
    Läderach recently expanded its premium confectionery lineup by introducing the Dubai chocolate range, which has been launched in various regions including the US, Canada, European countries, and the Philippines.

  • Marou Honored with Dual Awards in France for Outstanding Achievement

    Marou Honored with Dual Awards in France for Outstanding Achievement

    The Prix Épicures de l’Épicerie Fine, a prestigious annual event spotlighting artisanal food, took place on April 28 at Pavillon Gabriel in Paris, hosted by Le Monde de l’Épicerie Fine. The 2025 edition attracted a vibrant gathering of over 140 producers and more than 800 attendees, including industry professionals, journalists, and culinary aficionados from across Europe.

    Marou’s Ca Phe Sua Chocolate Bar clinched the title of “Best Chocolate in the World 2025” in the Food category (Trophées Alimentaires). This delightful creation blends the rich flavors of Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk, incorporating organic Robusta coffee, fresh milk, and dark chocolate crafted from local cacao. Not only does this accolade celebrate the bar’s exceptional taste, but it also acknowledges Marou’s commitment to showcasing local ingredients while adhering to international quality standards.

    This isn’t Marou’s first time basking in the limelight. The brand has previously garnered gold, silver, and bronze medals from the London Academy of Chocolate and the International Chocolate Awards, all celebrating its remarkable flavors and quality. In 2016, the brand was lauded by culinary luminaries like Michelin three-star chef Michel Roux and patissier Pierre Hermé.

    But the awards didn’t stop with the chocolate bar. Marou also earned the “Coups de cœur du jury” (Jury’s Favorite Packaging) for its 55% Dark Chocolate Bar with Roasted Buckwheat. Could it be that packaging has taken the spotlight?

    The judges evaluated the packaging based on creativity, brand consistency, material quality, environmental responsibility, and functionality. Marou distinguished itself by utilizing recycled cacao husks, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and creatively illustrating the cacao journey—from bean to bar.

    Moreover, Marou’s packaging underscores the origins of its ingredients, honoring Vietnamese agricultural traditions, cacao heritage, and the vital roles played by local farmers and fermentation artisans. The brand has previously snagged four international packaging design awards, including three from the Pentawards and another from The Dieline Awards, notable for its striking designs inspired by Dong Ho folk paintings.

    The dual accolades at the 2025 Prix Épicures de l’Épicerie Fine bolster Marou’s reputation in the premium chocolate arena. The brand credits its achievements to three principles: direct sourcing, artisan craftsmanship, and intentional design. Collaborating closely with local farmers and fermentation specialists, Marou ensures high-quality cacao while championing sustainable agriculture, treating each bean as a reflection of its unique origin.

    The emphasis on design transcends mere functionality; Marou’s packaging narrates the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture and cacao traditions through its visual identity and material choices.

    “These awards reflect our creativity, artistry, and dedication to Vietnamese culture in every product,” said a Marou representative. “With a sustainable vision and exceptional quality, we continue leading the way, sharing Vietnamese chocolate with the world and leaving a lasting imprint on the global stage.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the Prix Épicures de l’Épicerie Fine?
    It’s a prestigious award recognizing the best in artisanal and premium food, bringing together producers, professionals, and culinary enthusiasts.

    What makes Marou’s Ca Phe Sua Chocolate Bar special?
    It combines the flavors of Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, featuring organic ingredients and a commitment to local sourcing.

    How does Marou prioritize sustainability in its packaging?
    Marou uses recycled cacao husks for its packaging, promoting environmental responsibility while telling the story of cacao production and its local heritage.

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  • West Sulawesi provincial government to maximize use of cacao plantations

    West Sulawesi provincial government to maximize use of cacao plantations

    The West Sulawesi provincial government will, this year, maximize the use of cacao plantations to annually produce one million tons of the commodity, according to Provincial Estate Service spokesman Tanawali.

    “The government of Southeast Sulawesi this year will maximize the use of cacao plantation areas in order to support its determination to achieve a production target of one million tons of cacao,” he remarked here on Friday.

    He noted that of the 168 thousand hectares of cacao plantations in West Sulawesi, efforts have been intensified in 65 thousand hectares since 2009 to improve the quality and production.

    “We hope to maximize the use of all cocoa plantations in West Sulawesi within the next three years to support the program to make Indonesia the worlds largest producer of the commodity,” he stated.

    In addition, Tanawali noted that the cacao processing industry in Indonesia should continue to grow stronger to increase the processing capacity.

    Due to growth in the cacao processing industry in 2015, the processing capacity increased to 765 thousand tons from 345 thousand tons in 2010.

    During a visit to the cacao processing company PT Mars Symbioscience Indonesia in Makassar, South Sulawesi, in August last year, Industry Minister Saleh Husin stated that the number of cacao processing companies rose to 19 from 15 units in the previous year.

    “The government has encouraged development of the cacao processing industry by restricting exports of cacao beans since 2010,” the minister noted at the time.

    Husin remarked that under the Cacao National Movement Program, the government was optimistic of boosting the productivity of the countrys cacao plantations from 0.5 ton to 2 tons per hectare.

    Therefore, the minister emphasized that the government will facilitate investment in the cacao processing industry by helping provide infrastructure, one-stop service, fiscal facility, and exemption of import duty on factory machines.

    Indonesia is the worlds third-largest producer of cacao beans after the Ivory Coast and Ghana in Africa, and Sulawesi is the largest cacao producing region in the country.

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