Belgian Chocolate Pralines: The Successful Story of Jean Neuhaus
From the 18th century, the Belgian chocolate has risen in fame. In 1912, a
chocolate genius Jean Neuhaus created a new procedure and increased its
popularity ten-fold. He used a "couverteur" which is a specialized chocolate
version. It is also the pralines cold shell. But it is different from the
American sugary treats found in most candy shops. Chocolate pralines from
Belgium are filled with varieties of flavored creams or nougats, such as
hazelnut, fruit, more chocolate, or coffee. Some of the chocolatiers in the time
of Neuhaus could duplicate his pralines complex flavors.
Jean Neuhaus’ successful years were after the end of the First World War And
this time, Louise Agostini, his wife made another breakthrough by creating the
ballotin or praline box, significant type of pralines preciously made by hand.
It has a very practical green and gold packaging embossed with letter "N".
Because Jean never patented this ballotin, it became the design favored by all
chocolate manufacturers in Belgium since its creation.
The creativity of Jean Neuhaus led to the development of new methods for
applying a precise standard quality to all praline productions. They ensured
that the finest ingredients are selected to produce chocolates of high quality.
He became the unfaltering source of ideas for creating new pralines. Even the
Royal Family of Belgium is one of his satisfied customers. In 1918, The Prince
of Wales and Prince Leopold have visited the Neuhaus shop to try what everybody
is talking about in town.
In 1923, the son-in-law of Jean Neuhaus Adelson de Grave was initiated in
praline manufacturing and was taught the secret of the family's business. His
creations also brought additional distinction to the Neuhaus Company. His son
Pierre also contributed his genius by helping his father create Tentation and
Caprice and opened other Neuhaus shops outside Brussels.
In 1978, the Neuhaus Chocolate Company was put under the management of Claude
Poncelet and Jean-Jacques. Their goal of making Neuhaus the world's most famous
brand was clear to capture the foreign markets. Thus, more Neuhaus outlets were
opened in Japan, Canada, Guadeloupe, Colombia, United States, and other capital
cities in Europe.
In 1991, Neuhaus became the leader in the luxurious praline sector industry in
Belgium as well as in Luxemburg. Their well-defined strategies for marketing and
international networks kept Neuhaus in maintaining an enviable position in the
market. Modern technology investment also contributed to the success of Neuhaus,
but one-third of praline productions remained handmade. In 2000, King Albert
accredited Neuhaus as their chocolate supplier.
Neuhaus Company has remained in the chocolate industry until today. The legacy
of Jean Neuhaus continues to make the best Belgian chocolate pralines. Their
technical advantage among other chocolate manufacturers is the couverteur
storage before use. In the process of making chocolates, the fine grinding of
cocoa beans is first done. Afterwards, it is mixed with cocoa butter and sugar
and then smoothened through tempering. Adding heat during the process must be
carefully done. Many chocolate companies received the chocolates in solid forms.
It means they have to reheat it to become usable. But Belgian chocolate
companies often received the chocolates in a heated tanker after the tempering
process. Chocolates that are not cooled retain most of its aroma.
Belgian chocolates can be expensive. However, those people who have tasted it
revealed that nothing can compare with its true quality. And this is what
Belgian chocolates are known for throughout history.
Brought to you by:
Deb St. George, Publisher, Accommodation-in-Brussels.com
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