Ann van Acker, Managing Director of the SME Fairy Chocolates, has used the crisis of the coronavirus to tap into new markets.

Who says Easter, says chocolate. For the youngest ones, a fun search for chocolate Easter eggs cannot be missed. Luckily, the Milka factory of Mondelez in Herentals ensures that the Easter bunny has more than enough Milka Easter eggs. 

There is no doubt that organic products are on the rise. According to BioForum, the sectoral organisation for organic agriculture and food in Flanders, the sector has been thriving for years. 

The world-famous Mystic Lamb masterpiece, painted by Belgian Jan Van Eyck in 1432, has been restored and can now be admired again in the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. The Belgian chocolatier Van Hoorebeke took the challenge and made an edible replica, on the occasion of the restoration.

Belgium enjoys worldwide renown for its chocolate. Which stands to reason, considering that the praline was invented in Belgium.

The Barry Callebaut Company began with the Callebaut family back in 1850. This highly entrepreneurial family founded a chocolate company in 1911 to add to its existing dairy and brewery. A century later, the family company had grown into an international company.

Belgian chocolate enjoys worldwide fame. And with just cause: Belgium is the country that ‘discovered’ the praline and no other country has more chocolatiers. Belgium is home to a multitude of the greatest names in the world of chocolate.

Barry Callebaut, owning the biggest chocolate factory in the world which is located in Belgium, received the right to use the first health claim in the cocoa and chocolate industry.

Time for a little chocolate quiz! Where was the very first praline invented? In Belgium, by Neuhaus. Where is the world’s biggest chocolate factory located? Again, in Belgium: the Callebaut factory in Wieze. Where do you find the most exquisite pralines today? You’ve guessed it: in Belgium.

In response to the increasing demand for premium Belgian chocolate, the American food company Cargill will invest in a world-class production line for liquid chocolate.