Centho: Flemish pralines with global prestige
The finest pralines in Flanders can be found in Duisburg, home to Centho's award-winning creations. Geert Decoster, a renowned artisan chocolatier, was named Chocolatier of the Year 2025 for Flanders by the esteemed Gault&Millau guide, which commended the subtlety and balance of his ganache-filled pralines. The jury said that Centho succeeds in creating nuanced flavours that highlight, rather than overpower, the origin of the chocolate.
Centho's recognition at home is matched by growing acclaim abroad. After exporting to Japan for over a decade, particularly during the winter chocolate season, the company opened its first year-round boutique in Tokyo in September 2024. Located in a fashionable district, the shop quickly found its audience, with strong demand prompting new deliveries within weeks of opening.
Rigorous hygiene and quality standards
Setting up a permanent presence in Japan is no easy task. The country imposes rigorous hygiene and quality standards on imported food, and Centho's Belgian operations are inspected annually by a Japanese team. "It's a process of constant refinement," said Decoster to De Tijd, "but our product has become stronger because of it." The Tokyo venture is backed by a major Japanese food company that has partnered with Centho for over ten years, helping the company to export close to ten tonnes of chocolate to Japan annually.
However, Centho’s roots remain firmly local. Founded in 2002 in a Tervuren basement, the company has grown to become a leading Belgian chocolatier with a reputation for originality. One of its most famous creations is the 'Salin' caramel praline, which is coated in fine chocolate and topped with sea salt. This praline won gold at the World Chocolate Awards and has become a firm favourite on pillow menus at luxury establishments such as The Ritz in London.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA
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