When the Swiss and the Belgians want to eat chocolate, they rarely go for the mass-produced brands but instead head for their favourite local chocolatier. Craft chocolate is the rule in Europe but it is relatively new in India.

Even as the homegrown artisan brand Soklat is gaining popularity, foreign companies seems to be eyeing India with Switzerland-based Du Rhône Chocolatier recently opening its shop in India. Federico Marangoni, Du Rhône’s dapper CEO, was in Mumbai for the store launch earlier this month and we met him over coffee and chocolate, naturally.

“Du Rhône Chocolatier is one of the oldest Swiss chocolate brands. We are 143 years old and have been in continuous operation since 1875,” says Marangoni who became CEO in 2014 and in 2015, took over as the company’s sole shareholder.

The chocolaterie was founded by Monsieur Pertuiset in Rue du Rhône in Geneva where it remained until 1967 when it shifted to its current premises at Rue de la Confédération.

“I got involved with Du Rhône Chocolatier with the idea to export chocolates,” says Marangoni. Between 2015 and 2016 he’s opened stores in New York, London, Dubai and Shanghai.

Earlier this month, Marangoni unveiled the first store in India, in partnership with Liberty Luxuries Pvt Ltd, behind Japanese luxury brand, Yoku Moku.

“Chocolate is the fastest growing consumption good in the world and India with its 1.3 billion population is a great market to be in,” says Marangoni.

Every Du Rhône chocolate is handmade in Geneva and then sent out (vacuum-sealed) to stores worldwide. There is a minimal amount of preservatives (to keep the shelf-life) but no artificial colours or flavours.