More than 110 years after its founding, Leonidas is opening a new chapter in Nivelles. With an investment of nearly €100 million, the family-owned company is creating room for additional production, innovation and international growth. Through a new experience centre, it also aims to inspire young people to pursue a career in the Belgian chocolate sector. With this investment, Leonidas is helping strengthen the competitiveness of the Belgian food industry, a key ambition of Fevia, the federation of the Belgian food industry.
A new home base for growth
As part of this investment, Leonidas has moved to a new 30,000 m² production facility on a five-hectare site in Nivelles, south of Brussels. The modern factory provides the space needed for more efficient production, improved logistics and long-term growth.
This investment goes far beyond a simple relocation. The new infrastructure allows Leonidas to operate more flexibly and respond more quickly to new market opportunities, product developments, sustainability challenges and innovations.
Expanding capacity, innovation and exports
The new factory features eleven production lines, five of which are brand new. As a result, Leonidas will be able to more than double its production capacity. Innovation is also being strengthened through almost 1,000 m² of laboratories and pilot facilities, enabling new products to be developed and tested more rapidly.
While Belgium remains the company’s largest market, with around 400 points of sale, Leonidas also sees significant growth opportunities abroad. Today, roughly half of its production is exported. Alongside its traditional retail network, the company is further expanding in growth segments such as travel retail, where pre-packaged pralines and chocolate products are becoming increasingly important.
Passing on Belgian chocolate to the next generation
One of the most remarkable features of the new site is its public experience centre, covering 500 square metres. Visitors can discover the history of Leonidas and Belgian chocolate, take part in workshops and gain insight into the craftsmanship behind the company’s pralines.
For Leonidas, the ambition goes beyond producing chocolate. The company wants to contribute to a bright future for the Belgian chocolate sector. As a flagship of the Belgian food industry, the chocolate and confectionery sector generated €9 billion in turnover in 2024 and employs 9,500 people. Every year, the sector needs around 800 new talents. By showcasing the passion, expertie and craftsmanship behind Belgian chocolate to a wide audience, Leonidas is helping inspire the next generation to pursue a career in this exciting industry.