Monday, July 31 2017 15:39
Alina Hovhannisyan

Armenian chocolate experts accept Belgian experts` traditions

Armenian chocolate experts accept Belgian experts` traditions

ArmInfo.  Belgian chocolate is  considered one of the best in the world, and Belgium is called the  absolute world leader in its production. Annual volume of chocolate  produced by Belgians exceeds 170 thousand tons. And in terms of the  number of citizens who adore chocolate, Belgium firmly ranks first in  the world - over 40% of total production falls on domestic  consumption. The amazing taste of Belgian chocolate can be justified  by the content of cocoa butter in the composition and in comparison  with foreign analogues a high percentage of cocoa. Today in Belgium  there are over three hundred manufacturers of the chocolate industry.  Armenia cannot boast of such an ancient history of chocolate  production and the number of manufacturers, which today there are  only nine in the country. However, the technology of making chocolate  has similar traditions with Belgian chocolates. In a conversation  with ArmInfo correspondent, Deputy director of JSC Arkolad Lida  Devedzhyan shared the secrets of the production of domestic chocolate  and the formula for successful management.  To prepare chocolate, as  Ms. Devedjian noted, the company supplies production chocolate from  Belgium, which is processed at the factory Arkolad. Belgians also  import cocoa beans from Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana to produce their  chocolate, accounting for about 50% of world production. "Processing  is in fact a very important stage in the production, during which the  chocolate is given a corresponding shine and inherent softness," she  said. As a result, Arkolad can boast of the content of cocoa butter  in the composition of chocolate, which is the tradition of  exclusively Belgian chocolate factories.

Arkolad, according to the deputy director of the company, is  represented by a wide range of chocolate products for every taste.  But the initial popularity at the start of activity (in 2005), as  Devedzhyan noted, Arkolad acquired thanks to its "coffee beans". Now  the production includes a wide range of dark, milk chocolate;  Chocolate products with various creams, in particular coffee,  champagne cream, kuatro cream; More than 20 types of chocolate  products, including truffles (hand-made) dried fruits (apricot,  peach, plum) with walnuts and marzipan in chocolate, etc.

The group of Armenian chocolates managed to make the main thing - to  overcome the lack of experience in the first years of the Arcolad  activity. Only once did the company feel that chocolate is a product  for cheerful people and a kind of indicator of happiness. In the  difficult for Armenia period of the April war in 2016, Lida noted,  sales of chocolate fell sharply. However, now the sales volumes have  recovered and this indicates that we once again believed in our  strength.

Talking about today's sales directions, Devedjian noted that the main  realization of Armenian chocolate is carried out in the domestic  market. However, buyers usually come from tourists who are already  familiar with the brand, with the taste of "Arkolad", including  Russians, Iranians, Filipinos, Chinese, Spaniards, etc.  "In those  countries where there is a culture of chocolate, our Chocolate>, she  stressed. Concerning deliveries to foreign markets, Ms. Devedzhyan  noted that some of the production is still exported.  The main sales  market is Russia, but orders from Belarus and even "chocolate"  Switzerland are regularly received. In the US and France, there are  also consumers of Arkolada. What is noteworthy is the fact that  Arkolad is supplied by air transport. "The question is not only in  the expansion of markets, the question in logistics. We cannot  transport our chocolate wagons. For deliveries the company resorts to  air transportation services, which significantly increases costs. But  land transportation of such a "gentle" product is dangerous, as there  are no guarantees that it will reach the place on time and will not  deteriorate, "she explained.

Speaking about the competition in Armenian market, Devedzhyan noted:  Arkolad is already a well- established brand in the domestic market -  we are known and loved. "The key to this success, in my opinion, is  the company's approach to the implementation of its activities, in  particular, in the constant maintenance of high-quality production.  We are not afraid of competition; on the contrary, we are only happy  about it. After all, in the end, the market will remain the one who  will be able to prove its right to be called a quality product, "the  expert concluded.

To note, Arkolad JSC was founded in 2004. The priority direction of  production is the combination of Armenian dried fruits with real  chocolate. On average, the annual volume of chocolate production is  40 tons. Annually the company increases volumes by 7-8%.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     


News
Shadow income in Armenia is about 200-300 billion drams - Eduard  HakobyanShadow income in Armenia is about 200-300 billion drams - Eduard  Hakobyan
Expert: Obsession with short-term indicators to strip Armenia of  economic sovereigntyExpert: Obsession with short-term indicators to strip Armenia of  economic sovereignty
Armenia`s GDP increased by 5.2%  in Q1 2025, reaching $5.4 billionArmenia`s GDP increased by 5.2%  in Q1 2025, reaching $5.4 billion
In Armenia, only  54,000 out of 900,000 declarants reported their income to the tax authoritiesIn Armenia, only  54,000 out of 900,000 declarants reported their income to the tax authorities
Economy Minister does not believe his visit to Georgia can change anything more than daily contacts with Georgian partnersEconomy Minister does not believe his visit to Georgia can change anything more than daily contacts with Georgian partners
Near East could be among priority markets for Armenia under tourism strategy - minister Near East could be among priority markets for Armenia under tourism strategy - minister 
Armenia to cancel entry visas for citizens of number of countries Armenia to cancel entry visas for citizens of number of countries 
EAEC, EAEU bodies, businesses discuss intensification of trade with Serbia EAEC, EAEU bodies, businesses discuss intensification of trade with Serbia 
Armenian vice-premier to take part in EAEC Council`s meeting Armenian vice-premier to take part in EAEC Council`s meeting 
Tax administration efficiency discussed in Yerevan based on TADATTax administration efficiency discussed in Yerevan based on TADAT
Lavrov: Trade turnover between Russia and Armenia demonstrated  impressive results last yearLavrov: Trade turnover between Russia and Armenia demonstrated  impressive results last year
Gagik Makaryan: Georgia carrying out terror against cognac production in ArmeniaGagik Makaryan: Georgia carrying out terror against cognac production in Armenia
IDBank is now in Kapan: Opening of a new branchIDBank is now in Kapan: Opening of a new branch
Armenia to introduce cashback mechanism in tourism industry Armenia to introduce cashback mechanism in tourism industry 
Armenia plans to bring tourist industry`s revenues up to $3bln by  2030Armenia plans to bring tourist industry`s revenues up to $3bln by  2030
Team Telecom Armenia completes upgrading of mobile network in Tavush Team Telecom Armenia completes upgrading of mobile network in Tavush 
For the first time, the bonds of a medical institution to be listed  on Armenia Stock ExchangeFor the first time, the bonds of a medical institution to be listed  on Armenia Stock Exchange
International train Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan to start operating from June 14International train Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan to start operating from June 14
Armenia`s authorities to exempt certain Iranian trucks from road tax Armenia`s authorities to exempt certain Iranian trucks from road tax 
Azimut production company installs VOR/DME 2700 radio beacon in ArmeniaAzimut production company installs VOR/DME 2700 radio beacon in Armenia
ADB joins construction project of southern section of North-South  corridorADB joins construction project of southern section of North-South  corridor
RA Minister of Economy meets cognac industry representatives   RA Minister of Economy meets cognac industry representatives   
CBA considers introducing  insurance mechanism to combat financial  fraudCBA considers introducing insurance mechanism to combat financial fraud
Kocharyan: Gas pipeline from Iran to Armenia didn`t not imply any transit opportunity from the startKocharyan: Gas pipeline from Iran to Armenia didn`t not imply any transit opportunity from the start
Armenian-Austrian Intergovernmental Commission meeting on  trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation  held in ViennaArmenian-Austrian Intergovernmental Commission meeting on  trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation  held in Vienna
1% Special Transfer Rate for AraratBank Customers1% Special Transfer Rate for AraratBank Customers
Team Telecom Armenia announces launch of 5GTeam Telecom Armenia announces launch of 5G
Rocket Line loan payment deferment and combination: New update of the Idram&IDBank applicationRocket Line loan payment deferment and combination: New update of the Idram&IDBank application
23 of 46 schools renovated under ADB programme 23 of 46 schools renovated under ADB programme 
Armenian interbank foreign exchange market: dollar transactions increased from May 12 to May 16, 2025Armenian interbank foreign exchange market: dollar transactions increased from May 12 to May 16, 2025
Vahe Davtyan: Armenia being marginalized from the emerging  architecture of regional energy transitVahe Davtyan: Armenia being marginalized from the emerging  architecture of regional energy transit
Vahe Hovhannisyan meets with  EIB Vice President, Egypt`s Minister of  International Cooperation, and representatives from JP Morgan and  Bank of America in LondonVahe Hovhannisyan meets with  EIB Vice President, Egypt`s Minister of  International Cooperation, and representatives from JP Morgan and  Bank of America in London
Head of Anti-Counterfeit: We must not allow illegal traders to use  Georgia as a hub for counterfeit goods or a convenient route for   transportationHead of Anti-Counterfeit: We must not allow illegal traders to use  Georgia as a hub for counterfeit goods or a convenient route for   transportation
AraratBank: From a Future Student to a LeaderAraratBank: From a Future Student to a Leader
Event Ticketing Platform Eventhub is now Available in MyAmeria AppEvent Ticketing Platform Eventhub is now Available in MyAmeria App
RA Finance Minister of Finance meets with EBRD  President  in LondonRA Finance Minister of Finance meets with EBRD  President  in London
25% idcoin when buying tickets from all airlines. IDBank25% idcoin when buying tickets from all airlines. IDBank
The majority of transfers to Armenia come from Russia, and flow out  to Switzerland, the UAE and the USAThe majority of transfers to Armenia come from Russia, and flow out  to Switzerland, the UAE and the USA
ZCMC to be the first in Armenia to present a report on biodiversity  managementZCMC to be the first in Armenia to present a report on biodiversity  management
Armenian market  unable to provide personnel for modern competitive  businesses, especially in  mining sectorArmenian market  unable to provide personnel for modern competitive  businesses, especially in  mining sector
Converse Bank and EBRD sign two loan facilities totaling US$ 8 million to support MSMEs and green projectsConverse Bank and EBRD sign two loan facilities totaling US$ 8 million to support MSMEs and green projects
Armenia Featured in Wizz Air’s Special Magazine EditionArmenia Featured in Wizz Air’s Special Magazine Edition
Import customs duty for goods supplied to Armenia from Iran to be reduced to 4.5% Import customs duty for goods supplied to Armenia from Iran to be reduced to 4.5% 
Armenia`s authorities plan to enhance military industry`s potential Armenia`s authorities plan to enhance military industry`s potential 
Armenian government expanding agricultural machinery leasing support  programArmenian government expanding agricultural machinery leasing support  program
Armenia extends repayment term for ADB loan for improvement of  Armenia-Georgia border highwayArmenia extends repayment term for ADB loan for improvement of  Armenia-Georgia border highway
Armenia`s Cabinet declines Capital Markets International Data`s application for Ecos fee operators list Armenia`s Cabinet declines Capital Markets International Data`s application for Ecos fee operators list 
Inecobank to receive $15mln under EBRD `green agenda` Inecobank to receive $15mln under EBRD `green agenda` 
`Solar pathos` turning into source of Armenia`s `energy insecurity` - expert `Solar pathos` turning into source of Armenia`s `energy insecurity` - expert 
EU to mobilize EUR 2.36bln under economic investment plan for Armenia  - diplomat EU to mobilize EUR 2.36bln under economic investment plan for Armenia  - diplomat 
Evocabank to receive EUR 19.4 million financial package from EBRD to  support MSMEs and large enterprises in ArmeniaEvocabank to receive EUR 19.4 million financial package from EBRD to  support MSMEs and large enterprises in Armenia
EBRD expands cooperation with Ameriabank - EUR 50 million Risk Sharing  Framework agreement signedEBRD expands cooperation with Ameriabank - EUR 50 million Risk Sharing  Framework agreement signed
PSRC Head: Installed capacity of solar power plants in Armenia  projected to reach 557 MW in the coming yearsPSRC Head: Installed capacity of solar power plants in Armenia  projected to reach 557 MW in the coming years
Ambassador: Russia offering Armenia a wide range of nuclear power  unitsAmbassador: Russia offering Armenia a wide range of nuclear power  units
ENA`s investment program  for 2025  aims to modernize most worn-out  and vulnerable substationsENA`s investment program  for 2025  aims to modernize most worn-out  and vulnerable substations
PSRC Head: Electricity tariffs to remain unchanged in 2025PSRC Head: Electricity tariffs to remain unchanged in 2025
NPP CEO: Proposals for  new NPP model to be presented in 2026NPP CEO: Proposals for  new NPP model to be presented in 2026
Armenian Deputy PM, Iranian Ambassador discuss bilateral cooperation  agendaArmenian Deputy PM, Iranian Ambassador discuss bilateral cooperation  agenda
Armenian insurance market started to reduce compensationArmenian insurance market started to reduce compensation
Armenia`s SRC delegation attends  fifth meeting of the Subcommittee  on Customs Issues under SEPAArmenia`s SRC delegation attends  fifth meeting of the Subcommittee  on Customs Issues under SEPA
Read more
Exchange rates
22.05.2025
RUB4.830.03
USD384.44-0.62
EUR434.11-2.47
GBP515.15-1.14
CAD276.99-0.45
JPY26.76-0.04
CNY53.35-0.10
CHF464.92-2.33