Valrhona was set up in 1922 by a pastry chef named Albéric Guironnet in the Rhone Valley. Thanks to the commitment and involvement of their eco-system, they have managed to develop multiple recipes and variations of chocolate. In the 100 years, Valrhona has generated ground-breaking innovations with unparalleled signature flavors such as bitter Guanaja and many more. They have not only innovated, they have also been sharing their expertise through Chocolate Schools and competitions such as the Pastry World Cup. Valrhona has now supported an increasingly inclusive vision, giving them a B Corp certification. B Corporation rewards the world’s most committed companies that emphasize economic, societal, and environmental performance.
Their 100th anniversary brought about a new L’École Valrhona school in the heart of Paris on May 2, 2022, welcoming professionals from all over France and abroad. Not just a showcase for its chocolate- and pastry-making know-how, L’École Valrhona promotes creativity, learning, and passing on new gastronomy techniques and trends.
Valrhona has also created Komuntu 80% with a group of ethically-minded people around the world. The blend of cocoas has a singular aromatic character, with a powerful bitter woody flavor underpinned with notes of toasted nibs. Valrhona will redistribute all the profits of this Komuntu couverture collected during the anniversary to cocoa farmers.
We have been invited to their major culinary showcase in Singapore. The experiential space brought us on a journey from farm to table where we hear about Valrhona’s 100-year story. The zone includes sourcing and origin stories as well as a tasting zone where chocolate creations can be enjoyed. Valrhona’s journey continues with the Valrhona Bar and a showcase of the L’Ecole Valrhona.
My favourite from their creation would be Strawberry inspiration with its sweet candied notes and a beautiful pinkish red. Their fruit range chocolates will be something that young individuals would like to snack on when they are working. For individuals who do not like to take sweet chocolates, their range also includes Coeur De Guanaja 80% which will be enjoyable for those who like the bitter nodes of chocolate.
We enjoyed the snacks and food that comes from their chocolates. It was definitely a gastronomical experience from the entire range of Asian cuisine renditions like Xiao Long Bao and Chicken Rice, to desserts that will never go wrong with chocolates. We have also tried their cocktail range which was also created from chocolates as well, making it one of the most interesting and fun experiences ever for our taste buds.
You can purchase Valrhona chocolates from major online stores. Explore their full range online for more information.