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Thursday 17 May 2012

No Surprise

It comes as no surprise that Belgian chocolate conquered the world and stole the hearts of so many. Over the last 25 years, one of Belgium’s main producers and exporters has been Duc d’O Chocolaterie.

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Duc d'O

Duc d’O Chocolaterie Belgium

Duc d'O

Irresistible jewels…

Duc d'O

 

In 1983, Mr. Hendrik Verhelst, a keen chocolate lover, made his dream come true when he founded his own chocolate production company, Duc d’O Chocolaterie. Immediately from the start, his mission was to provide consumers with high quality products at an affordable price. A clear and simple strategy that paid off, as he saw double digit growth almost every year. At the present time, his son, Mr. Paul-Henri Verhelst has taken over the reigns, leading Duc d’O Chocolaterie firmly into the 21st century. In the Belgian plant at Kruibeke (Antwerp region), a dedicated team of 120 employees produce daily 30 tons of chocolate products. Star players are the famous Duc d’O truffles, pralines and mini pralines. But also the liqueur pralines, sea-shells, hearts, Easter chocolates, bars and tablets are much loved by consumers.

 

Over the last decade, an expansive export-network has been rolled out. Today it covers the entire globe as 80% of the Duc d’O production is exported to over 80 countries, with Belgium however remaining the most important market.

Quality as Main Priority

Ever since the founding days of the company, the Verhelst family set very high quality standards. When it comes to finding the right cocoa-beans, selecting the best batches of hazelnuts and almonds or defining the bespoke couverture-chocolate, ‘maître-chocolatier’ Guido Vandeperre has an unequalled reputation and a rare amount of knowledge and inspiration.

 

As one of the last large family-owned chocolate producers, Duc d’O Chocolaterie takes pride in making all of its fillings inhouse. Truffle cream, praliné, caramel, pistachio, marzipan, mocha and others are all based on recipes which have proven their success over the years. Of course, Duc d’O chocolates are 100% cocoa butter, 100% natural, 100% authentic and thus 100% Belgian.

Duc d’O Truffles – A Unique Chocolate

The most well-known star product of Duc d’O is its flaked truffle. Thanks to a unique procedure where the interior filling is aired to create a light and mousse effect, millions of this savoury and typically Belgian chocolate are sold all over the world. Continuing innovation resulted in new varieties such as dark-orange and cappuccino, which were added to the classic existing truffles made from milk -, dark - and white chocolate.

 

After 25 years, the company is proud to say that of every two truffles sold in Belgium, one comes from Duc d’O!

 

Duc d'O    Duc d'O

Duc d’O Assorted Pralines

Duc d’O Assorted Pralines is a true classic. Existing for over 20 years, this range of chocolates remains unchanged due to its overwhelming success. Fillings such as caramel, praliné, crisp, marzipan, hazelnut or mocha are combined with the finest milk, dark or white couverturechocolate. Consumers can choose the traditional ‘ballotin”-packaging or the more modern flat-box, both designed in the characteristic Duc d’O colours and layout.

 

Eight years ago, Duc d’O Chocolaterie was the first producer worldwide to introduce its range of Mini-Pralines. These products were the perfect answer to growing consumer demand for small, snack-size chocolates. Today, the Mini Pralines account for a daily production of 3,5 tons. We can safely state that, with the creation of this product, Duc d’O has set a visionary benchmark.

Duc d’O and Belgium

“As one of our country’s most important chocolate producers, Duc d’O takes pride in being a truly Belgian product.”, says CEO Paul-Henri Verhelst. “Being able to participate in this beautiful book is for us a perfect opportunity to showcase our products to the world. In my opinion, ‘made in Belgium’ is synonymous for quality, innovation and indulgence.

 

The Duc d’O team and myself are continuously working to make sure Belgium remains the point of reference in the chocolate industry. Quite simply because it is!”.