Interview with Olivier Demol,
Master Chocolatier for Neuhaus Chocolates

On A Typical Day at Neuhaus Chocolates

Making chocolates isn’t a job that someone can do alone. That’s why most days at Neuhaus start with a team briefing. Together we consider the season and decide what praline or ganache needs to be created that day. Sometimes we pick a fruit creation, sometimes something with herbs or nuts. Then we decide what chocolate we’re going to work with, will it be our chocolate or something from another chocolate maker.

We get cooking and then, lucky us, at lunch time, we get to taste the result of all our hard work!

On Getting Started

My love for chocolate was born in my grandmother’s kitchen. She taught me to respect the materials we cooked with and to use local ingredients whenever possible. I’ll never forget her telling me that you get the best flavors when you use the best products. It’s so simple, but so true. I stick to this philosophy every day, no matter what we’re cooking up in the Neuhaus kitchens.

My whole career has been focused on developing new pastries and chocolates. Coming up with new ways to innovate using traditional techniques and materials has always been my passion. I consulted with Neuhaus as a product developer for over 15 years before finally becoming Master Chocolatier.

On Tradition and Innovation

Because Neuhaus was the first to create a filled chocolate, we feel strongly that we have a tradition to uphold, so we always stay true to our Belgian chocolate heritage. We have been using the same original recipes and artisanal techniques since 1857 to create gourmet chocolates with premium ingredients, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t innovate! My team is constantly coming up with new flavor combinations that are inspired by what we see at various food shows or what we taste while traveling the world. I always find great ideas in the United States and in Asia. We also work closely with our suppliers to identify new materials and ingredients or to learn about new techniques that will mesh well with our traditional approach.

On Favorite Chocolates

It’s hard to pick a favorite Neuhaus chocolate, but I think our best creations are the 'Irrésistibles.' They’re a perfect blend of nougat, filling, and chocolate. (Some can be found in the Neuhaus Infinite Love box.) But I’ve never met a chocolate that I didn’t like. All chocolate has a unique perfume, flavor, and taste. They’re all special.

I do think that the best chocolate comes from Ecuador. It has an intense cacao flavor, with a fruity, slightly acidic taste. It’s part rum, whiskey, and tobacco, which gives the chocolate a truly spectacular flavor profile.

Our most original chocolates haven’t been released yet, but they’re coming! We’re working on a sublime line that meld our traditional style with some unique flavors. You’re going to love it!