Aalst Chocolate is a manufacturer of industrial chocolates and compounds, gourmet chocolates and related products.[2] It was established in 2003 in Singapore, by Richard Lee and Connie Kwan, who are currently Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer respectively.[3][4][5] They are the first chocolate factory to be fully owned and managed by Singaporeans.[6]

Aalst Chocolate
IndustryFood
FoundersRichard Lee[1]
Headquarters
Singapore
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Richard Lee, CEO[1]
ProductsIndustrial chocolates, gourmet chocolates and related compounds
BrandsPâtissier, Aalst Chocolate, Aalst Home, and Cacao Ivory

The company has an export network of over 45 countries globally, including countries such as the United States, India, China and the Middle East.[5][7] Its customers include multinational and national branded confectionery, biscuits (cookies) and ice cream manufacturers and artisanal users of chocolate (chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakeries and caterers).[8]

Company and operations

edit

The Aalst Chocolate factory is located in Singapore.[4] The company distributes its products under brands such as: Aalst Chocolate, Cacao Ivory, Pâtissier, Aalst Home and Louella.[8]

Aalst Chocolate uses a trigeneration system in its chocolate production, which reduces greenhouse gas emission by a total 4.9 million cubic feet a year.[9]

According to the company's website, the brand is a proponent of sustainable global sourcing. Cocoa ingredient sources include Latin America and West Africa.[10]

The company sold 10,650 tonnes (10,480 long tons; 11,740 short tons) of chocolate in 2014.[11]

Aalst Chocolate exports 98% of its products.[12]

Products

edit

Aalst Chocolate offers a range of chocolates and compounds for industrial and food service customers, as well as consumer products in certain markets.[8]

Under the Aalst Chocolate and Cacao Ivory brands, the company manufactures and supplies chocolates to confectionery, biscuits and ice cream manufacturers. Products include chocolate and compounds, as well as semi-finished chocolate products. They also offer customised chocolate recipes for food manufacturers.[13]

Under the Pâtissier brand, the company offers a wide range of products for artisanal users of chocolate (chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakeries and caterers). Products include chocolate couvertures and Pâte À Glacer.[14]

In the consumer segment, the Aalst Home brand offers products such as chocolate chips, baking chocolate and fountain chocolate.[15] In 2015, the company launched its luxury retail chocolate under the brand Louella Chocolate. Product offerings include artisanal pralines and tasting squares.[16]

The Aalst Chocolate brand is trademarked and the company has filed four patents for some of its products, including the designs of some chocolate fillings and decorations.[5][17]

Food safety and certifications

edit

Aalst Chocolate is certified in accordance with the following certifications:[18]

Awards and accolades

edit

In 2007, the Pâtissier Signature Plus Dark 56% chocolate was awarded the 2 Star Superior Taste Award under by The International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI).[18]

In 2013, Aalst Chocolate was named by Promising SME 500 as one of Singapore's top 500 Small & Medium Enterprise.[19]

In 2014, Aalst Chocolate was ranked in the 30th position in Business Time's annual Enterprise 50 ranking.[20]

In 2014, Pâtissier Grand 61 Dark Chocolate was awarded Monde Selection Gold award by The International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI).[21]

In 2014, Enterprise 50 Award.[22]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Woo, Jacqueline (5 March 2015). "Chocolate maker tempts private equity firm". Asia One Business. Archived from the original on 9 August 2015. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
  2. ^ "Company Overview". Aalst Chocolate.
  3. ^ Chen, Huifen (May 10, 2011). "SME INC; When David meets Goliath". Business Times Singapore.
  4. ^ a b Aw Yeong, Benita (April 3, 2007). "Satisfying the Sweet Taste of Industrial Users". Business Times Singapore.
  5. ^ a b c Cheow Xin Yi (August 6, 2008). "Aalst Enjoys Sweet Taste of Copyright Protection". Today. Singapore.
  6. ^ Tan, Mindy (November 28, 2014). "Newcomers Feature Among E50 Winners". Business Times Singapore.
  7. ^ "Supplying Quality Chocolate to the World". Aalst Chocolate.
  8. ^ a b c "Explore, Appraise & Savour Our Range". Aalst Chocolate.
  9. ^ Mulchand, Arti (April 14, 2007). "Chocolate factory's gamble pays off". The Straits Times.
  10. ^ "Sourcing". Aalst Chocolate.
  11. ^ "Financials". Aalst Chocolate.
  12. ^ "Aalst Chocolate receives significant investment from KV Asia Capital". KV Asia Capital. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  13. ^ "Industrial Range". Aalst Chocolate.
  14. ^ "Pâtissier". Aalst Chocolate.
  15. ^ "Consumer Range". Aalst Chocolate.
  16. ^ "Louella Chocolate".
  17. ^ "Patents Issued in June 28, 2005". Justia Patents. 2005.
  18. ^ a b "Our History". Aalst Chocolate.
  19. ^ "Promising SME 500". Archived from the original on 2015-09-01. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  20. ^ "Winners". Enterprise 50. Archived from the original on 2015-08-13. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  21. ^ "Monde Selection". Archived from the original on 2012-09-26. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  22. ^ "Enterprise 50 Assoc. Winners (2014)". Enterprise 50 Association. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
edit