Belgian chocolate has traditionally been the superfood of champions, a temptation for lovers, a comfort for the unfortunate and a luxury for the rich and poor everywhere in the world. Belgian chocolate is THE pinnacle, with the very best cocoa beans, a high cocoa percentage and 100% cocoa butter. Belgian chocolate is chocolate that is manufactured in Belgium. Is this just a smart marketing trick? Discover 11 characteristics that make our chocolate justifiably renowned.

Why is Belgian chocolate so unique?

♥  The fine 15 to 18 micron structure. Belgian chocolate is made from extra finely ground cocoa beans.
♥  High cocoa content. Our chocolate has a higher cocoa content than most international products.
♥  100% cocoa butter. Belgian chocolate contains 100% cocoa butter, without the addition of other vegetable fats.  
♥  The selection of high quality cocoa beans. 
♥  The Belgian chocolate sector is extremely diverse with large chocolate companies, as well as small chocolatiers and praline makers
♥  Belgian chocolate makers are creative and innovative with a wide variety of innovative flavours and combinations
♥  Belgians make chocolate a total experience with chocolate museums, chocolate routes, tastings, workshops...
♥  The world's largest chocolate factory is located in Wieze, Belgium. Barry Callebaut produces approximately 270,000 tons annually there.
♥  In 2007, the Belgian chocolate code was developed. Hence you can be sure Belgian chocolate actually comes from Belgium. 
♥  The Belgian chocolate sector exports no less than two thirds of its quality chocolate all over the world. 
♥  Belgians cherish their chocolate and pralines: each person eats at least six kgs annually!

Belgian chocolate is the result of a mixed Belgian heritage

The constant contact with other peoples and cultures has left its colourful mark on Belgian art and culture right up to the present day. Belgium is literally at the crossroads of major artistic movements. It is difficult to speak of one Belgian culture in a country with two language communities. Yet there are some things that connect 'the Belgians' to both language borders: pride in their cultural heritage, their exuberant lifestyle, sense of humour, love for comic books and of course...Belgian chocolate.

Apart from being famous, is Belgian chocolate also fair?

Belgian chocolate means that the chocolate is made in Belgium, with all the know-how available here. The cocoa beans for 'our' chocolate naturally come from warmer and more exotic places. And, unfortunately, that is still often from places where child labour exists, and where terrible prices are paid for the cocoa beans, such as Ivory Coast in Africa. When buying chocolate, that is why it is important to consider smaller, artisan chocolate makers, who trade more directly, are more transparent and have a feel for the country and the people where their raw materials for Belgian chocolate come from. Chocolates from Heaven is one such brand with a mission.

Chocolates from Heaven: heavenly Fair Trade chocolate from beautiful historic Ghent

As a young man in the 1990s, Koen Klingele studied tropical agriculture before subsequently turning his attention to development cooperation. However, he was destined for the world of chocolate. Today his fully-fledged chocolate factory is located on the outskirts of the beautiful historic city of Ghent. About 10 years ago, the Chocolates from Heaven brand, which produces fully organic and Fair Trade chocolate, came into being, with no ties to child slavery and offering a fair price for raw materials. Chocolates from Heaven also spends 2.5% of their turnover planting trees on and around the cocoa plantations in Papua New Guinea and Peru. The chocolate itself is heavenly tasty and made exclusively from the purest ingredients.

Also discover the I ♥ Belgium hazelnut chocolate paste from Amanprana

You would think you are eating delicious liquid Belgian hazelnut praline...which is rich in vitamins and minerals at the same time! This is what the new Amanprana hazelnut chocolate paste tastes like, packed with crunchy hazelnuts and pure cocoa. Instead of refined sugars, Amanprana hazelnut chocolate paste contains the antioxidant-rich coconut blossom sugar. This delicious paste, which you can spread on your sandwiches, can also be used in pancakes, muffins, pastries, cakes, chocolate mousse, smoothies and milkshakes. Enjoy this distinctive Belgian product, which tastes like a loving tribute to Belgian chocolate culture. I ♥ Belgium!