Brussels recognises chocolate craftsmanship as intangible heritage
The Brussels-Capital Region has officially recognised the craft of Belgian chocolatiers as a regional intangible heritage. The announcement was made at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the historic site where the praline was first created in 1912.
With this designation, the chocolate-making tradition joins beer culture, the production of speculoos and Belgian fries on the region's heritage list.
Brussels secretary of state for Heritage and Foreign Trade, Ans Persoons, said the recognition was a "logical choice", citing Brussels' role as the birthplace of both the praline and the iconic Ballotin chocolate box.
International prestige
The decision is welcomed by the industry. Peggy Van Lierde of I Love Belgian Chocolate welcomed the recognition of the artisanal knowledge passed down through generations. Philippe De Sellier, CEO of Leonidas and president of the Belgian Chocolate Association, underlined the international prestige and economic weight of Belgian chocolate, which generates exports worth 5.5 billion euros a year.
The aim of the recognition is to draw attention to the cultural importance of chocolate making in Belgium and to pave the way for national and eventually Unesco recognition. For this to happen, Flanders and Wallonia must also list the craft as a cultural heritage before a joint national application can be submitted.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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