Aalst Chocolate

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

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]

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

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

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

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

Awards and accolades

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

  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.