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Industry | Food |
---|---|
Founders | Richard Lee[1] |
Headquarters | Singapore |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Richard Lee, CEO[1] |
Products | Industrial chocolates, gourmet chocolates and related compounds |
Brands | Pâtissier, 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]
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]
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]
Aalst Chocolate is certified in accordance with the following certifications:[18]
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]