History of Neuhaus

  • The story begins...

    1857

    The story begins...

    Jean Neuhaus settles in Brussels and opens a pharmacy in the prestigious Galerie de la Reine. He covers his medicines in a layer of chocolate to make them more palatable.

  • Invention of the praline

    1912

    Invention of the 'praline'

    Jean Neuhaus Jr. expands his grandfather’s idea replacing the medicines with fresh cream, thus creating the first filled chocolate. He calls it ‘praline’, which becomes an immediate success!

  • The ballotin

    1915

    The 'ballotin'

    Louise Agostini, wife of Jean Neuhaus, designs an elegant gift box in which the chocolates are attractively presented. This box, called the ‘ballotin’, becomes the ‘must-have’ gift.

  • Timeless classics

    1937

    Timeless classics

    The chocolates “Bonbon 13” and 'Astrid' are created and become true Neuhaus classics. Today, 75 years on, these chocolates are still made according to the original recipes.

  • Stars of the World Expo

    1958

    Stars of the World Expo

    Neuhaus introduces the 'Caprice' and 'Tentation' during the World Exhibition in Brussels. These refined filled chocolates reveal on the inside a nougatine biscuit, made according to a special Neuhaus recipe, and are filled by hand with fresh cream or ganache. These chocolates remain the Neuhaus icons today.

  • Royal creations

    1960

    Royal creations

    In 1959 and 1960, Belgium celebrated the weddings of Prince Albert to Paola and King Baudouin to Fabiola. To mark the occasion, Neuhaus created 4 new chocolates named after the royal family: 'Baudouin', 'Fabiola', 'Albert' and 'Paola'.

  • New style

    2004

    New style

    Neuhaus undergoes a transformation. Its boutiques are given a splendid new look, with a distinctive colour palette that includes warm coral red and elegant chestnut brown.

  • The luxury Belgian chocolatier

    Today

    The luxury Belgian chocolatier

    Neuhaus is the market leader in the luxury chocolate sector in Belgium. The company’s strategy is focused on international growth, and the chocolatier currently has over 1000 sales outlets in 50 countries. It is one of the few chocolate companies still manufacturing in Belgium. As supplier to the Belgian Royal Court, this year Neuhaus celebrates the 100th anniversary of the ‘praline’.