In a country where a certain ‘joie de vivre’ is all-important, chocolate logically became one of its most well-known ambassadors. Indeed, it comes as no surprise that Belgian chocolate conquered the world and stole the hearts of so many.

Over the last 25 years, one of Belgium’s main producers and exporters has been Duc d'O Chocolaterie.

Irresistible jewels…

In 1983, Mr. Hendrik Verhelst, a keen chocolate lover, made his dream come true when he founded his own chocolate production company, Duc d'O Chocolaterie. Immediately from the start, his mission was to provide consumers with high quality products at an affordable price. A clear and simple strategy that paid off, as he saw double digit growth almost every year. Afterwards his son, Paul Henri Verhelst, took over the leadership of Duc d’O and brought it into the 21st century. Since July 2011 a merger was agreed and the Company became Gudrun – Duc d’O. Now we are able to strengthen our position in retail and we can say that we are the largest producer of flaked truffles all over the world. The new CEO Eddy Walraevens sees in this collaboration different opportunities to strengthen our position even more in the market.

In the Belgian plant at Kruibeke (Antwerp region), a dedicated team of 120 employees produce daily 30 tons of chocolate products. Star players are the famous Duc d'O truffles, pralines and mini pralines. But also the liqueur pralines, sea-shells, hearts, Easter chocolates, bars and tablets are much loved by consumers.

Over the last decade, an expansive export-network has been rolled out. Today it covers the entire globe as 80% of the Duc d'O production is exported to over 80 countries, with Belgium however remaining the most important market.

Duc d'O and Belgium

“As one of our country’s most important chocolate producers, Duc d'O takes pride in being a truly Belgian product.”, says CEO Paul-Henri Verhelst. “The Duc d'O team and myself are continuously working to make sure Belgium remains the point of reference in the chocolate industry. Quite simply because it is!”