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“We’ve found that the fresh taste and innovative recipes of our products have found favour not only with chocolate lovers in Switzerland and Germany, but in the Middle East and Asia as well,” reports Johannes. “This has allowed us to maintain a continuous expansion programme which will soon see us entering the US and Canadian markets.”
Although long-established, the company has only relatively recently established standalone retail stores and also sells the products via its own online shop. The first “Läderach – chocolatier suisse” store opened in 2005 and the portfolio has grown substantially since then to total more than 80 worldwide. “As well as the store network, we also attract customers to our world visitor centre at our production base in Switzerland and we enjoy lively digital communication with a growing number of fans,” adds Johannes.
Peter Flint of Colliers’ Brand Representation team – which is advising the chocolatier on its UK expansion – reports: “Läderach is opening two standalone stores in the UK – one in Westfield London and a flagship store on Regent Street.”
Johannes adds: “The move into the UK is partly a response to the fact that the country has the highest per capita chocolate consumption in Europe outside Switzerland and Germany.
“We’re extremely happy with our two locations as they are both prestigious. We want to be in high footfall positions where tourists and locals alike can have access to our stores. We also think that our London stores will raise brand awareness beyond the UK market.”
The company is keeping its cards close to its chest about expansion elsewhere in the UK, but is actively considering sites in high footfall, high-end shopping centres or transport hubs. Johannes points out: “We’re mindful that the population of Greater London is equal to the whole of Switzerland!”.
Läderach has recognised the increasing demand for experience-led retail by introducing classes on tasting, cocoa origins and chocolate know-how in some stores, as well as offering bookable chocolate-making courses for small groups. “Chocolate must be tasted, not only talked about,” insists Johannes, who is optimistic about his industry’s future prospects.
“In the past, we have not only launched new products but also created new categories like our original FrischSchoggi: the unique combination of fresh Läderach chocolate and high-quality ingredients – all carefully prepared by hand. Every chocolate-lover gets a piece in a size of their choosing, broken off a huge and unique FrischSchoggi bar, fresh from the counter. Another new category were our Mini Mousses – light and airy chocolate-covered mousse with a wafer base.
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