| Address: | Brandstraat 18 |
| Postal code: | 9160 |
| City: | LOKEREN |
| Telephone no.(s): | +32 9 3404180 |
| Fax: | +32 9 3495809 |
| E-mail address (general): | raf@chocolaterie-de-schutter.be |
| Website: | www.chocolaterie-de-schutter.be |
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Other European Countries
- United Kingdom
North Africa
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Asia
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Myanmar
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- Philippines
European Union-27
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- Luxemburg
- Latvia
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Germany
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
About the company
The Chocolaterie De Schutter was founded in 1919 in Sint-Niklaas (Belgium). The company initially made traditional hollow chocolate (for the feast of Saint Nicolas, Christmas, St Valentine's Day and Easter) and cornets. In 1939, the second generation assumed management, and in 1963 the third generation took the helm. The company concentrated exclusively on hollow chocolate, acquiring a substantial share on the traditional Belgian market (patissiers, wholesale, etc.). In 1977, production was moved to new facilities in Belsele, where the fourth generation of the De Schutter family took charge.
Since 1997, the company has grown at a tremendous rate. Belgian chocolate is of course greatly appreciated abroad. Realising the potential this offers, the company decided to make its first tentative move into the export market. Through various initiatives, such as taking part in trade fairs, De Schutter acquired some degree of name recognition in neighbouring countries. The company's business then became more international, with exports to the US and the Far East. In 1998, the growing success of the company called for an investment in brand new premises in Lokeren, with flexible production machinery and increased storage capacity. The strategic location in the triangle formed by the cities of Antwerp, Brussels and Gent, via the E17 highway, was an added asset.
In addition to exports, product innovation has been an important factor in the company's expansion drive, with ongoing investments in new moulds and the need to keep track of the latest market developments (Halloween). As a result of this innovative process, a decoration department was set up in 2003. Thanks to its customer-oriented approach, the company recognised a new market niche and set up a separate packaging department. In this way, the Chocolaterie sought to meet the growing demand for ready-made products that can be placed directly on supermarket shelves. Now, specially trained packers wrap the hollow chocolate in foil, cellophane bags, boxes, etc. according to the customer's requirements and wishes.