INDIA. Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus has partnered with premium confectionery retailer CocoCart for its standalone boutique debut in India, opening its first location at Navi Mumbai International Airport in July, followed by a second at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Terminal 2’s domestic departures zone.
Walking into a Neuhaus boutique is like the opening of a box of jewels, with every praline displayed individually, tasted, chosen and packed in front of you – CocoCart Co-Founder Karan Ahuja
Founded in Brussels in 1857, Neuhaus is widely credited with inventing the praline.
It was also the first brand to partner exclusively with CocoCart in 2020 and has remained a valued part of the retailer’s portfolio ever since.
CocoCart Co-Founder Karan Ahuja said: “Indians have been discovering Neuhaus with us since 2020, through gift boxes and curated assortments within the CocoCart universe. What changes now is the experience.
“Walking into a Neuhaus boutique is like the opening of a box of jewels, with every praline displayed individually, tasted, chosen and packed in front of you.
“India is not a frontier market for these categories; it is an unmet one, and the airport is where the country’s most discerning consumer meets the world.”
The opening was celebrated by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a guided tasting of Neuhaus’ signature pralines.
The event was attended by Nina Pineau, Consul and Deputy Head of Mission for Belgium at the Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai, alongside Neuhaus and CocoCart leadership and members of the media and digital creator community.
Neuhaus has held the Belgian Royal Warrant of Appointment since 2000, making it one of only a select number of chocolatiers worldwide to hold the distinction.
All Neuhaus recipes are crafted at its atelier in Vlezenbeek, Belgium, with the standalone boutiques providing Indian consumers with access to the brand’s complete praline collection alongside tastings and pairings.
Neuhaus CEO Isabel Baert said: “India represents one of the most exciting new chapters for Neuhaus. In CocoCart we have found a partner who understands that our craft cannot be shortened or simplified for a new market.
“Every praline sold in Mumbai is made in Vlezenbeek to the same recipes we have protected since 1857, and we are looking forward to a long presence in India.”
Consul and Deputy Head of Mission for Belgium in Mumbai Nina Pineau added: “We are very proud to see one of Belgium’s most-renowned chocolate brands finally becoming available in the Indian chocolate market, and we hope that Indians will love it as much as Belgians do.”
Trade and Investment Commissioner Eva Verstraelen commented: “We are more than happy to bring Belgian quality to the vibrant city of Mumbai.
“We understand that Mumbai is growing in its appreciation for quality, and there is a growing spirit for premium products. The culture of chocolate and coffee is evolving, and just as people appreciate fine wine, they should appreciate good chocolate too.”
Neuhaus Business Development Manager, India and Middle East Max Van Coillie said: “It’s always a delight to come to India. The hospitality is incredible. It’s such an honour to open up Neuhaus in India.
“We believe our products can offer an exciting new experience to Indian consumers. As a brand, we always strive to bring exciting new products, such as our chocolate mousses, to the market. Through this, we hope to excite Indian consumers. It is our ambition to bring the best of Belgium to the world.”
A boutique centred on Belgian craftsmanship
The Neuhaus boutique adopts an open-display format, with its signature pralines presented individually in an arrangement inspired by a jeweller’s counter. Trained chocolate concierges guide customers through tastings and pairings, while ballotins are assembled and sealed to order in-store.
Developed specifically for the Indian market, the boutique also features an in-store mousse experience designed to introduce first-time visitors to Neuhaus’ chocolate offering.
The opening taps into a growing premiumisation opportunity in India, where the gifting market is estimated at INR140 billion (US$1.47 billion)-INR150 billion (US$1.57 billion) and projected to double by 2030.
With premium and luxury gifting accounting for less than 5% of the sector, the market offers strong potential for brands operating at the higher end of the category.
Neuhaus forms a key part of CocoCart’s strategy in the premium gifting segment, targeting high-value consumers, corporate gifting programmes and Indian travellers familiar with the brand from its international boutiques in Brussels, London, Dubai and Singapore.
Looking forward, a third Neuhaus boutique is planned for this year.
The roll-out will also include an India-exclusive Diwali 2026 packaging collection, followed by destination-specific sleeves at the Mumbai Airport locations designed as souvenirs for departing travellers.
Further plans include India-exclusive flavours co-developed with the Neuhaus atelier in Vlezenbeek, Belgium.
Neuhaus sources 100% of its cocoa sustainably and owns a cacao farm in Ecuador’s Guayaquil region, reinforcing the brand’s focus on provenance and responsible sourcing. ✈
