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Tag: Chocolat

  • French Luxury Chocolatier La Maison du Chocolat Expands Korean Presence with New Pop-Up in Seoul’s Lotte Department Store

    French Luxury Chocolatier La Maison du Chocolat Expands Korean Presence with New Pop-Up in Seoul’s Lotte Department Store

    La Maison du Chocolat, a renowned French luxury chocolatier, is expanding its presence in South Korea, launching a new pop-up boutique in the central Seoul location of the Lotte Department Store Main B1.

    Expanding Partnership with Bluebell Korea

    This latest venture is in cooperation with Bluebell Korea, a notable distributor recognized for handling an assortment of luxury and premium labels throughout the broader Asian region. The partnership serves to introduce La Maison du Chocolat’s revitalized branding and retail design to the Korean market, using the pop-up boutique as an experimental platform for potential future growth.

    Exquisite Chocolate Selection

    The temporary store will exhibit a curated selection of La Maison du Chocolat’s signature offerings. Their variety of products range from truffles, chocolate tablets, and macarons, to a host of seasonal creations, offering a tantalizing treat for all chocolate connoisseurs.

    Brand History

    Established in 1977 by chocolatier Robert Linxe, La Maison du Chocolat has since been spearheaded by Nicolas Cloiseau, who stepped into his role as creative director in 2011. The brand made its debut in the Korean market in 2015, opening a boutique in the main branch of Shinsegae Department Store situated in Sogong-dong.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is the current leader of La Maison du Chocolat?
    Nicolas Cloiseau has led La Maison du Chocolat as its creative director since 2011.

    When did the brand first enter the Korean market?
    The brand made its first foray into the Korean market with a boutique in Shinsegae Department Store’s main branch in Sogong-dong in 2015.

    What products does the new pop-up boutique in Seoul offer?
    The boutique offers a range of La Maison du Chocolat’s offerings, including truffles, chocolate tablets, macarons, and seasonal creations.

  • Swiss Premium Chocolatier Boosts Global Footprint with Ambitious Expansion Plans

    Swiss Premium Chocolatier Boosts Global Footprint with Ambitious Expansion Plans

    Swiss premium chocolatier Läderach has reached a significant milestone with the grand opening of its 100th store in Europe, located in Hannover. This achievement comes amidst rising U.S. tariffs that are putting pressure on the family-owned company’s operations. CEO Johannes Läderach is leaning into tranquility and innovation amid these turbulent times.

    The newly launched location signifies Läderach’s robust presence, marking the 25th boutique in Germany alone. Globally, the Glarus-based chocolatier boasts over 220 stores, with nearly 60 situated in the United States. Just four years prior, Läderach strategically acquired the lease agreements for all 34 American stores previously managed by Belgian rival Godiva.

    Expanding Horizons: Eyes on Asia

    Läderach’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, as the company prepares to expand into Asia with new openings planned in Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia. To support this international expansion, they are also commissioning a third production facility in Bilten, nestled in the picturesque canton of Glarus.

    Navigating Tariffs with Grace

    In recent comments on LinkedIn, CEO Johannes Läderach shared insights into the challenges presented by the U.S. tariffs. “I cannot change the tariffs,” he stated candidly. “It’s only human to feel anger or discouragement about them, but lamenting won’t change the situation—I choose to pray for the serenity to accept it.”

    In response to the economic hurdles, Läderach is focusing on enhancing efficiency, optimizing supply chains, and ramping up innovation. “American consumers choose us not for our price but for the uniquely fresh chocolate experience we provide,” he emphasized, showcasing his commitment to delivering quality even in tough times.

    Upholding Swiss Quality in Uncertain Times

    Despite challenging market conditions, Läderach remains steadfast in its dedication to quality, Swiss craftsmanship, and unparalleled customer experience. The company views every crisis as another chance to innovate and improve, underscoring a resilient spirit that permeates its brand ethos.

    Questions & Answers

    What recent milestone has Läderach achieved in Europe?
    Läderach recently celebrated the opening of its 100th store in Europe, located in Hannover, Germany.

    Which Asian markets is Läderach planning to enter?
    The company is set to expand into Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia as part of its ongoing international growth strategy.

    How is Läderach addressing the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs?
    CEO Johannes Läderach emphasizes efficiency gains, supply chain optimizations, and innovation to navigate the challenging landscape of U.S. tariffs.

  • Barry Callebaut expands NSW chocolate plant

    Barry Callebaut expands NSW chocolate plant

    Barry Callebaut has completed the expansion of its Campbellfield factory in Melbourne, after the 11,000 m2 site was acquired in 2020.

    The expansion will cater for local industrial food manufacturers with new production lines to increase the total operating capacity and its range of chocolate offerings. The range will now include liquid chocolate, compound, buttons and chips, in addition to the products already produced at the site such as coatings and fillings.

    “This factory expansion underlines Barry Callebaut’s ongoing commitment to Australia. The facility further strengthens our regional footprint in Asia–Pacific, producing safe and high-quality products. The move is in line with our ambition to locate production close to our customers,” said Jo Thys, President of the Asia Pacific region for Barry Callebaut.

    The factory will be equipped with chocolate refining and conching lines, which will enable the company to serve the Australian food industry from artisans to global manufacturers.

    “I am proud that our Gourmet chocolates have been brought into the country for many years now. Today, I am even prouder that our high quality ‘Made in Australia’ products are available in higher volumes, creating more chocolate happiness for our local consumers,” said Denis Convert, Managing Director Australia at Barry Callebaut.

    “With the expansion of our Campbellfield factory, we are well-positioned to become the leading chocolate manufacturer in Australia.”

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  • Mondelēz International Invests in Global Center for Sustainable Cocoa Farming Solutions

    Mondelēz International Invests in Global Center for Sustainable Cocoa Farming Solutions

    Mondelēz International opened its state-of-the-art cocoa crop science technical center in Pasuruan, Indonesia. The center enables Mondelēz International to develop and promote better cocoa farming practices, continuing its work with farming communities, suppliers and partners around the world. It represents an important step in the company’s mission to lead the future of snacking by securing a sustainable future for high-quality cocoa, so consumers can enjoy the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way.

    As one of the world’s largest buyers of cocoa for chocolate, the sustainability of the cocoa farming industry is key to Mondelēz International’s long-term growth in Asia and around the world. “Cocoa is at the heart of chocolate, and demand is growing, with Asia set to become the second-largest consumer of cocoa ingredients. Mondelēz International is determined to meet that demand in the right way by creating a thriving cocoa sector,” said Maurizio Brusadelli, Executive Vice President and President, Asia, Middle East and Africa for Mondelēz International. “Consumers also expect more from their favourite brands like Cadbury Dairy Milk and Milka chocolate. People want delicious snacks they feel good about eating, know where ingredients come from and produced in ways that are better for the environment and communities. We need to secure a sustainable future for high-quality cocoa and other raw materials we use to create the snacks our consumers love.”

    The investment in the Pasuruan Cocoa Technical Center focuses on cocoa crop science research and development. It supports sustainable, scalable cocoa farming practices and will work in partnership Mondelēz International’s global cocoa sustainability program, Cocoa Life. By the end of 2019, Cocoa Life had reached 175,017 cocoa farmers globally: 43,000 of these are Indonesian cocoa farmers.

    “We’re on a mission to drive positive change by creating a future of sustainable snacking and that includes using our global scale to create meaningful, lasting impact.,” said Rob Hargrove, Executive Vice President, Research, Development and Quality for Mondelēz International. “The Pasuruan Cocoa Technical Center is our global home for cocoa crop science initiatives. It brings local and international cocoa crop science experts together with farmers and suppliers in the cocoa growing areas of Sulawesi, Sumatra, and East Java. Our scientists can go from the labs at the center to field sites where we have research collaborations and on-farm activities through Cocoa Life.”

    The center’s focus on cocoa crop science and technical solutions that support high-yielding, sustainable and resilient farming practices is a clear commitment to the company’s 2025 goal of sourcing 100 percent of cocoa for chocolate through Cocoa Life. The company is on track to meet that target with 63 percent of cocoa for its chocolate brands currently sourced through Cocoa Life.

    The 2019 Snacking Made Right Report provides a comprehensive update on the company’s 2025 sustainable and mindful snacking goals and its progress towards achieving these goals.

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  • Second Hotel Chocolat opens door

    Second Hotel Chocolat opens door

    Hotel Chocolat has opened its second store in Asia Pacific. The British-based luxury chocolate retailer has opened an outlet in Tokyo to follow up its first store in the region, in Hong Kong. The new store is in the giant Aeon Lake Town shopping mall on the outskirts of Tokyo. More are planned for Japan, where there is established demand for luxury confectionery.

    “The reaction to Hotel Chocolat in Japan on our first day of trading last week was hugely encouraging,” said co-founder and CEO of Hotel Chocolat, Angus Thirlwell.

    “Customer engagement, media attention, and sales performance were all well ahead of expectations.
    “Our portfolio of products landed with aplomb. Hot Chocolat drinks, our 8g sculpted chocolate batons, and our Selector range were all in high demand. We look forward to unfolding the brand further here.”

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