"Millésime Chocolat", a first for Belgium
A new Belgian chocolate, "Millésime Chocolat", has just made its entry on the market. It was a Liège resident, Jean-Christophe Hubert, who decided to embark on this adventure by offering a product that is both innovative and traditional.
A true chocolate lover, Jean-Christophe Hubert has travelled the world to perfect his training as a chocolate, confectionery and praline maker. He soon realised that a very large majority of chocolate makers use chocolate supplied by industrial manufacturers. However, the inhabitant of Liège is a fan of from Bean-to-Bar, which means that he works the entire chocolate chain. This means he roasts the cocoa beans himself using a process that is more respectful of the product and its flavours so that the chocolate has more nuance. This return to tradition first appeared in the United States and has been supported by Pierre Marcolini in Belgium.
And, the specific feature of his product does not stop there. As its name suggests, "Millésime Chocolat" bears a resemblance to wine. Indeed, in the same way as it is possible to find the grape stock from where the wine comes and its year, Jean-Christophe Hubert's chocolates also show transparency and traceability. The chocolate-maker buys his beans from good quality and reliable suppliers, making sure that they are paid fairly (which is not always the case with industrial chocolate makers). Once delivered, the Liège inhabitant does not mix his batches of beans, which allows him to produce chocolate of guaranteed origin.
Launched in Liège at the start of October, "Millésime Chocolat" is already on sale in about 30 Walloon groceries and will arrive in Flanders in 2018. Retailers are selected with care so that they are able to present this exceptional chocolate and its specific features. The chocolate is already being used by some cake-makers and restaurateurs in chocolate-based treats.