Belgian chocolate, as the name suggests, is referred to as the chocolate made in Belgium and the Belgian chocolate industry is now an integral part of this European country.When you take a look at the culture and economy of Belgium, you will realize that the Belgian chocolate industry is an indispensable part of it as it has been around the 19th century. One can get an idea about the role chocolate making plays in Belgium from the fact that there are around 320 chocolateries in Belgium.Before we delve deeper into the Belgian chocolate industry, let us take a brief glance at the country of Belgium. The Kingdom of Belgium is a country located in the western parts of Europe that share its land boundaries with the countries of Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg. When it comes to water borders, the North Sea is located in the northwestern part of Belgium. The country has a total population of around 11.5 million making it the sixth most heavily populated country in Europe.Production Of Belgium ChocolateChocolate making is one of the main industries of Belgium, it has a rich history that dates back to the time when Belgium was under Spanish rule. The history of Belgian chocolate can be traced back to the 17th century when Spaniards ruled Belgium. It is believed that the explorers brought cocoa beans from South American countries and introduced them to the Belgians, and the rest is history.Did you know, even though Belgium is famous for its chocolate-making industry, the raw materials of Belgian chocolates are not originated in Belgium?The Belgian chocolate makers import raw materials like cocoa from areas such as South America, Africa, and Central America.Did you know, the production of Belgian chocolate is governed by law according to which a certain standard has to be met for the chocolate to be labeled as Belgian chocolate?One of the most astonishing facts about the Belgian chocolate market is that even though Belgium is not one of the largest countries in Europe in terms of size, there are around 2,000 chocolate shops in Belgium.The Belgium chocolate and confectionary industry have been regulated by law since as early as 1894.According to the law imposed, there must be at least 35% pure cocoa in the chocolate and at the same time, there must be no artificial fats included.As an interesting and special fact about Belgian chocolate, in order for the chocolate to be labeled as Belgian chocolate under the Belgian Chocolate Code, the conching, refining, and mixing must be done within Belgium itself.One of the most fun chocolate facts is that Belgium alone produces 725,000 ton (657708937 kg) of chocolate in a year.Unique Features Of Belgium ChocolatesBelgians are famous for their chocolates and rightly so, they produce around 725,000 ton (657708937 kg) of chocolate every year. Ranging from Belgian chocolate truffles to Belgian pralines, the country has given birth to some of the most widely appreciated chocolates and other delicacies.Did you know, the pralines which are associated with Belgium as one of its best products was actually invented by a Swiss named Jean Neuhaus II?In 1912, Jean Neuhaus II figured out a way of making a chocolate shell that contained different flavors of cream inside it.Did you know, the praline went on to become the first chocolate that had a soft filling inside it?Interestingly, in the years that followed saw Jean Neuhaus’ wife design a traditional box known as ballotin for packaging Neuhaus chocolates.Belgium leads the charts in terms of producing and exporting chocolates in the world as the country exports around 400,000 ton (362873896 kg) of chocolate in a year amassing €4 billion on average.During the 1900s, Belgium played a key role in the development of chocolate and pastry plants as Charles Callebaut invented a means of transport for liquid chocolate.Did you know, in the mid-’30s, a man named Jacques came up with the first filled chocolate bar which contained praline?One of the most famous chocolate makers, Côte d’Or came up with the now widely used chocolate spread back in 1952.Did you know, the Brussels airport is the highest chocolate selling airport in the world as it sells around 800 ton (725748 kg) of chocolates in a year?Who makes Belgium Chocolates?Belgium is known as the chocolate capital of the world and rightly so as it is home to some of the biggest chocolate brands in the world. Ranging from truffles to pralines to other chocolate types, the Belgian chocolate companies have given birth to arguably some of the best delicacies ever.Did you know, Belgium has the two largest chocolate factories in the world, Puratos, and Callebaut?The biggest chocolate-making factory in the world is located in Wieze, a village in Belgium as the factory, owned by the famous Barry Callebaut group manufactures 270,000 ton (244939880 kg) of chocolate every year on an average.Belgium is home to perhaps the largest chocolate brands in the world such as Godiva, Côte d’Or, Neuhaus, and several others as well.The Belgian chocolate-making company, Leonidas has been functioning for over a hundred years and is credited for using only the best quality ingredients employing traditional chocolate-making methods.Some of the oldest Belgian chocolate makers still use only cocoa butter and haven’t replaced it with other kinds of vegetable fats which play a big role in the Belgian chocolates being so tasty.Although Belgian chocolate makers export most of their produce, a significant part is still consumed by the Belgians themselves.What is special about Belgian chocolate is that the consumption in Belgium is about 13 lb (6 kg) per person per year.Invention Of Belgium ChocolateAs of today, Belgium is undisputedly considered the best chocolate-making country in the world and produces tons of chocolate every year but to earn this reputation and reach this stage has taken decades and centuries. Let us take a trip down memory lane to reflect back on the invention of Belgian chocolate.The earliest signs of the presence of chocolate in Belgium date back to 1635 when chocolate was sold by pharmacists in the form of a tonic.With the passage of time, come 1840, the first pressed chocolate tablets, figurines, and pastilles are sold by Barwaerts.During the mid 19th century, most of the now well-established Belgian chocolate makers were founded such as Jacques, Neuhaus, Côte d’Or.The 20th century marks the invention of chocolate spread, liquid chocolate transport, praline, and several other items which revolutionized the chocolate-making industry.Basile Kestekidès, founder of the chocolate brand Leonidas is credited for inventing ‘Manon’ one-of-a-kind praline which was coated with white chocolate. This invention took place in 1935.The Belgian chocolate maker, Côte d’Or conducted a major campaign in 1958 which uplifted the international reputation of Belgian chocolate.Currently, in the 21st century, Belgian chocolate makers are appreciated all over the world for their unparalleled creativity and quality.
Belgian chocolate, as the name suggests, is referred to as the chocolate made in Belgium and the Belgian chocolate industry is now an integral part of this European country.
