Twenty-five years ago, Puratos, Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium, decided to protect one of the most precious elements of Belgium’s culinary heritage: real Belgian chocolate. As a result, in 1988, the company launched Belcolade, a new brand offering the finest quality chocolate produced exclusively in Belgium.

Over the last 25 years, Belcolade has become known and respected for its superior taste and quality, according to Puratos. As a result, it is now used by chocolate professionals around the world.

“Belcolade stands for real Belgian chocolate, which is a unique combination of taste, processing and creativity, all produced in Belgium with the greatest respect for the chocolate-making tradition and with an everlasting passion for the product,” says Eddy Van Belle, chairman of the board of Puratos Group and one of the driving forces behind Belcolade. “Over the last 25 years, I have seen Belcolade grow into the global player it is today, and I am convinced that our continued investments and innovations will see Belcolade grow even further in the future.”

At the heart of Belcolade’s innovation process is the Chocolate Centre, a center where new products are developed, recipes are tested and knowledge is exchanged between chocolate professionals from around the world.

Meanwhile, the Belcolade product portfolio features Belcolade Selection, a wide range of chocolates with different tastes and viscosities for a variety of applications; Belcolade Origins, a selection of single-origin chocolates from around the world; a range of 100% organic chocolates; and a sustainable range with Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and UTZ certifications. Belcolade also can develop specific flavors according to a customer’s requirements.All Belcolade chocolates are made with 100% cocoa butter and 100% natural vanilla.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Belcolade has produced a tasting box for customers. The box contains 25 unique Belcolade chocolates and an anniversary recipe booklet with one praline and one patisserie recipe per chocolate. The 25th chocolate is an exclusive, Vietnam, single-origin chocolate still under development and made with a cocoa that recently received an International Cocoa Award at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris.