Côte d’Or Chocolate

The History of Belgium’s #1 Chocolate Brand

This Old-World chocolatier is known for creating rich and decadent chocolate, the taste of which has withstood the test of time. Belgians are famous for many delectable creations, but the one that has become most synonymous with the country is rich and creamy chocolate. It’s no wonder that some of the most celebrated chocolatiers have come from this country, one of which is Cote d’Or. Known for creating some of the most silky and decadent chocolate on the planet, discover the history of Belgium’s #1 Chocolate brand.

Côte d’Or | 1883

1883

The First Steps of Great Chocolate

The Côte d’Or chocolate brand’s name is in reference to the Gold Coast, currently Ghana, where many of the cocoa beans are selected. Their brand depot was issued in 1883, and their chocolate craft follows.

1906

The birth of the first Côte d’Or logo: with an elephant, palm tree, and three pyramids symbolizing the company.

1911

The Launch of the classic Côte d’Or packaging, replicated on the connoisseur bars today. Two tablets in each package, with its white-gold color.

1929

Côte d’Or creates a “Supertoff” soft caramel candy.

1930

Côte d’Or chocolate opens up internationally

Côte d’Or chocolate continues its establishment throughout the country and erects its pavilion on the edge of Hofstade beach.

1931

Côte d’Or chocolate registers in U.S.A.

1932

The creation of “Codorette,” a tablet of milk chocolate filled with nougat and almonds.

1934

Creation of the famous “Chokotoff.”

1935 & 1936

With more production and time, Côte d’Or chocolate gains international notoriety at the Brussels World Fair. Also the creation of “Croquettant” and “Mokamel” sticks.

1937

Creation of Double Milk Chocolate and Cream Sticks

1940

In order to preserve the excellence of the Côte d’Or chocolate, Congobar succeeded the brand for a few years.

War’s Consequence on Chocolate

The brand Congobar temporarily replaces that of Côte d’Or chocolate. Because of the hostilities of the era, the supply of cocoa beans essential essential for the “Côte d’Or” chocolate taste are inaccessible. Thus, Côte d’Or could not produce chocolate which upholds their standards, resulting in a temporary fade, giving way to Congobar.

1950

Goodbye Congobar, Belgium regains its appetite with Côte d’Or chocolate

Côte d’Or chocolate returns at the forefront of the industry – again producing the favorite chocolate of so many.

1952

Creation of “Pastador,” the chocolate spread.

1953

Royal Highness Princess Josephine Charlotte visits the company factory.

1955

Creation of the “Double Noisette” stick.

1958

Creation of Dessert 58 on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition of Brussels.

1959

Creation of Cherries pralines.

1960

A powerful taste of freedom!

Côte d’Or chocolate is spreading across the world, and their innovation is up more than ever. The company created the first entire hazelnuts tablet, and even set up visits to the Côte d’Or chocolate factory for schools.

1962

Create sticks filled with liquid cream.

1965

Côte d’Or chocolate is awarded the title “Patented Supplier of the Court of Belgium”.

1967

Creation of “Codora,” barrel filled praline-hazelnut wrapped in a golden paper.

1969

Côte d’Or chocolate launches in Japan and the “Mickybiss” cereal bar is launched on the market.

1970

Peace, Love, And….

Creation of candybars Kriffy and Nougatti. The brand is now experimenting with even more new flavors and blends.

1971

Launch of the Double-Devil Stick.

1972

Côte d’Or chocolate launches in both France and the Netherlands.

1974

Creation of candybar “Zouki” and candies “Fli-Fli.”

1978

Côte d’Or chocolate launches in Switzerland and Great Britain.

1980

Côte d’Or is approaching their 100 year anniversary.

1982

Launch of the “Cool” stick.

1983: Côte d’Or Celebrates 100 Years

And generations of powerful chocolate

1986

Debuts the first assortment of Mignonnette chocolates

1988

The company launches products in Aruba

1989

Launch of the stick “biscuit”

1990

BELGIUM REGAINS MORALE WITH CÔTE D’OR CHOCOLATE !

Faced with the gloom, Côte d’Or federates and gives a smile to chocolate lovers by redoubling creativity.

Creation of the “Noir de Noir” range

1991

The brand debuts 200g chocolate bars with White Whole Hazelnuts and Milk with whole Hazelnuts, and creation of the Culinary 500g tablet.

1993

The brand expands the 150g tablet including Praline, Dark, White, & Dark with Almond.

1994

Launch of the Mini-Bouchée and Candybar Snax.

1995

Launch of the milk chocolate granules for melting, and expands chocolate bars with Praline Fondant, Pistachio, & Fondant Hazelnut Whole.

1996

The brand is inaugurated at the Chocolate Temple at the Halle Factory, with the launch of mini-tablets.

1996 cote dor chocolate temple

1997

Launch of “Codo,” the Caramel stick, and the Bouchée Noire. Also the introduction of the range “Tasting” with the tablet “Sensations”

2000

Creation of chocolate sensations: Dark Orange & 86%

The year 2000, the year of hope, brings with it some more refined Côte d’Or chocolate sensations, notably with the “Tasting” range:

2000

Launch of the Bouchée Noisettine, Gianduja 150g & “Croc d’Or.”

2000 cote dor Launch of the Bouchée Noisettine, Gianduja 150g & Croc d'Or.

2001

Launch of the Côte d’Or chocolate spread.

2001 cote dor Launch of the new Côte d'Or chocolate spread.

2001

Creation of Praliné Intense and Gianduja 400g.

2001 cote dor Creation of Praliné Intense and Gianduja 400g.

2008

Côte d’Or Celebrates 125 Years

The popular “classic” 150g tablets and the Mignonnettes – the two flagships in the history of Côte d’Or chocolate – are showcased. A magical place in the heart of Brussels now allows you to discover the whole range of tasty Côte d’Or chocolate and many exclusive chocolates.