VALRHONA. VALRHONA.

VALRHONA

Zeyneb Larabi, Middle East area manager for Valrhona, discusses the company’s growth
over the years

When was your company established?
Le Grand Chocolat was established in 1922 and changed its name to Valrhona in 1947, building its reputation on tradition, respect, product quality and strong commitment to pastry chefs, bakers, and confectioners. In 1984, Valrhona turned its attention to non professional customers, with delicious creations. In the 1990s, the company strengthened its offering to the world of gastronomy professionals by going even further to meet their specific needs through a range of exclusive products and services.

Story continues below
Advertisement

How has the company grown?
Today, with production still centralised in Tain L’Hermitage, France, and an international presence driven by innovation, Valrhona’s business is spread over 73 countries, four subsidaries (Italy, Spain, Japan and New York) and 13,000 clients with whom the brand has built a special relationship.

What are your core products and services for the hospitality industry?
Since its creation, Valrhona’s mission has been to contribute to the success of its professional clients in the gastronomy industry, both in France and worldwide. The professional range offers 80 product references such as Mariages de Grands Crus, pure origins chocolate, estate grown chocolate, and pralines nuts base. These exclusive creations help Valrhona’s professional clientele to fully demonstrate their expertise.

What new products have you launched recently?
A new pure origin chocolate from Grenada — Kalingo 65%. In Grenada, which is nicknamed the island of spices, the history of cocoa is intertwined with that of spices. Once upon a time, cocoa beans were polished and trampled underfoot in large copper basins as part of a traditional dance. Today, the island’s cocoa beans are grown by small-scale farmers on one to two hectare plots. In Grenada, Valrhona has selected an exceptional cocoa variety rooted in the native land of one of the island’s Amerindian populations. This range is named after them, the Kalinagos.

Web : www.valrhona.fe or www.chefmiddleeast.com

Article continues on next page ...