Valrhona is marking its 100th anniversary this year with new-look boxed chocolates collections.
The gift packs feature updated recipes, colourful recyclable and eco-designed packaging as the chocolate company underlines its aim to be “more respectful of people and the planet”.
‘Together, good becomes better’ is Valrhona’s mission statement. The company said it has “demonstrated the strength of its commitment by co-creating a model that has a positive impact on the entire value chain, from cocoa producers to end consumers and the environment”.
“This is why Valrhona has redesigned not just all the packaging in its new range but its recipes too, adopting a ‘clean label’ approach.”
All new packaging is made from recyclable cardboard, paper and plastic that is manufactured in Europe and FSC-certified, guaranteeing materials come from sustainably managed forests. According to Valrhona, its use of new materials will save an estimated 93% or 10 metric tonnes of plastic and 4 metric tonnes of cardboard per year.
Valrhona has also reworked the boxes’ design to convey its commitments and environmentally friendly values, which are embodied in its B-Corp label.
Cocoa and plants produced through agroforestry have been highlighted to illustrate Valrhona’s sustainable cocoa-growing model. Colours are all derived from agroforestry landscapes.
Valrhona squares have also been refreshed, each one showing a different stage in the chocolate-making journey, from the cocoa pod to the final couverture. The sleeves also feature the brand’s new agroforestry-inspired visual identity.
Valrhona has also reviewed the ingredients used in selected recipes to incorporate organic-certified products into its gift box range for the first time. Equinoxes are renamed Moments Croquants, with the additive shellac gum replaced with natural milk protein and soy lecithin has been replaced with allergen-free lecithin.
The new collection of 17 gift boxes is available now in travel retail, including simple instructions on the art of chocolate-tasting.
Instants Dégustation offers Chocolate Squares in 160g Les Essentiels (dark and milk chocolate, RRP €20); 160g La Collection Bio (dark and milk chocolate made fair trade and Fairtrade/Max Havelaar-certified exclusive blends and single origin cocoa, €22) and 250g Les Intenses (dark chocolate, €27).
The 250g Les Inites offers an assortment of 50 dark and milk chocolate (€27) while 300g Collectionneurs (€39) has 60 squares combining three blends – Caraïbe 66%, Jivara 40% and Guanaja 70% – with three single origin cocoas, Tulakalum 75%, Bahibé 46% and Andoa Lait 39.
Créations Chocolat features chocolate hearts, truffles, 15 chocolates inspired by French pastries and Les Grands Crus, 15 intense dark chocolates made using Macaé, Manjari and Abinao Grand Cru chocolate ganache recipes.
Moments Croquants chocolate-covered almonds and hazelnuts are presented in colourful packs while three 150g and 160g Destination boxes take inspiration from Paris and London.
The 380g Discovery Gift Box (€42) contains 12 luxury chocolates, eight dark and milk Grand Cru chocolate squares and almonds and hazelnuts coated with dark, milk or Dulcey blond chocolate.
