Neuhaus Chocolates origins all began when Jean Neuhas opened an Apothecary shop in 1857. Located in the prestigious Galerie de la Reine the business began by covering the medicines sold in chocolate. His idea was to make them easier to handle and also taste better. Liquorices, Guimauves and dark chocolate tablets soon joined the traditional offerings on the display counter.
The following video is linked from Neuhaus’s Youtube Channel.
Over time, Jean and his son Frédéric spent a considerable amount of time preparing and inventing new delicacies. With new flavours and differing types of chocolates being developed, these soon replaced the regular Apothecary products.
Today, the Company has over 1000 stores located in 50 countries and is one of the last Belgian Chocolate companies who are still manufacturing in Belgium.
Factory Shop
Dean and I decided to pop along to the Neuhaus Factory shop located at NWinge Vrijders, Postweg 2 – 1602 Vlezenbeek. From Mechelen it is about a 20 minute car drive. If you are travelling via public transport you can catch the Metro Line 5 from Brussels to the end. I would recommend good comfortable shoes for walking as there is a 10-15 minute walk from the Erasmus metro stop. Look out for the distinguishable little red bag with the golden N to spot shoppers coming back from the Factory Shop.
For chocoholic’s a visit to the Chocolate Factory can be a nightmare or a a dream :). Unlimited supply of the various collections of Neuhaus chocolates are readily available. These are variable depending on what you are purchasing. The most popular is the offer on 3 boxed 1kg chocolates (same flavour per 1kg) for 40 euros. If you are planning to visit again, do not be surprised that your 1st time choice selection will be available again. The 1kg boxes or sometimes 1kg bags regularly change when they have run out. The best offers are the 1kg boxes/bags though do ensure you really like the flavour as there is no pick or mix within the 1kg allocation (1 single flavour per 1kg).
The balancing act for those you enjoy the delights of chocolate is to not overdo the sample tasting.
It is a fun afternoon visit out and the store is always busy with people eagerly buying the various Neuhaus chocolates. Do also check out for seasonal offers on Christmas and Easter selections. Neuhaus also have chocolate spread, chocolate powder (for delicious hot/cold chocolate drinks) and even their dainty biscuits.
TIP: If you are looking for chocolate as gifts (where you could individually package them), wedding favours or swag, the 1kg box selections do work out highly cost effective. Be choosy and selective with your choice as not all the prices seem to “feel” cheaper then the stores (do your homework before you visit).
