Vietnamese Chocolate: A Premium Gift for Anyone

Chocolate is one of the top gift choices, not only for its taste but also for its wide range of attractive designs. From adults to children, everyone loves chocolate. It is suitable as a gift for children, a Valentine’s gift for your lover, a Tet gift for your family, and even a premium corporate gift.

Did you know that Vietnamese chocolate not only matches but sometimes surpasses the quality of imported products? Let's explore why Vietnamese chocolate deserves to be a premium gift in the following article.

The Origin of Chocolate

The "Bitter Water" of the Americas

Chocolate, the sweet and bitter treat with an irresistible aroma, is a timeless favorite for all ages. Originating from the Americas over 7,000 years ago, chocolate has become an integral part of global culinary culture.

As early as 5300 BC, archaeological sites showed that chocolate was enjoyed as an "energy drink."

The name "chocolate" comes from the Nahuatl word "xocolātl," spoken by the Aztecs/ancient Mexicans. The name means "bitter water," with "xoco" meaning bitter and "atl" meaning water.

Later, Spanish colonists brought chocolate from the Americas to Europe. From Europe, chocolate continued its journey to Vietnam during the colonial period. Since then, chocolate has been more than a delicious treat; it has become the symbol of romantic gift, bringing joy and sweetness to the receiver.

Chocolate in Vietnam

Like coffee and rubber trees, the French brought the cacao tree to Vietnam. It seems cacao trees appeared in Vietnam at the end of the 19th century.

The cacao tree is very suitable for Vietnam's climate and soil, reflected in its stable yield. However, utilizing cacao to its full potential was overlooked: the French abandoned cacao trees, and the Vietnamese people didn't know what to do with the fruit other than eat the small amount of sweet white flesh.

Ironically, while imported chocolate was a luxurious sweet treat accessible only to Western colonists or wealthy Vietnamese, the cacao tree—the source of that fragrant bitter chocolate—was not fully utilized. The cacao tree gradually fell into oblivion; no one planted it, though it continued to thrive sustainably in the gardens of the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam due to the perfectly suitable climate!

When Vietnam opened up to international trade at the end of the 20th century and brands realized the potential of the cacao supply in Vietnam, the fate of the cacao tree took a beautiful turn. Processing technology to turn cacao beans into quality chocolate was brought to Vietnam and expanded. The wonderful "gift" from the land of the Americas gradually achieved its rightful status.

Since 2011, Vietnamese chocolate has gained international acclaim with its youthful age but exceptional quality. More and more artisanal chocolate brands are joining, bringing various colors to the Vietnamese chocolate market.

Why Vietnamese Chocolate?

“Many experts and organizations rank Vietnamese cacao among the top 5% of cacao beans with the best flavor globally.” (VnExpress)

Although not with a long history, the name "Vietnamese chocolate" leaves an impression on many foreigners. It’s not hard to find terms like single-origin chocolate or artisanal chocolate when looking for Vietnamese chocolate. These terms sound prestigious, and when mentioned, people think of something truly premium and authentic.

Currently, Vietnam has three main cacao-growing regions: the Central Highlands, Southeast, and Mekong Delta. Chocolate from each region and province in Vietnam has different flavors due to varying climates and soils. Therefore, the same variety, such as Trinitario cacao, planted in the Central Highlands and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, will offer different experiences. This uniqueness makes single-origin chocolate famous and more beloved.

Besides single-origin chocolate, artisanal chocolate makers are creative with countless diverse flavors, combining local ingredients such as salt, pepper, tropical fruits, cashews, and peanuts. These combinations offer numerous quality choices that captivate chocolate lovers. Each handmade chocolate bar is a culmination of love and creativity from Vietnam's precious ingredients, making it the perfect gift for any occasion.

Advantages of Choosing Vietnamese Chocolate as a Gift

Affordable Price, Excellent Quality

One of the strengths of Vietnamese chocolate is its accessible price compared to foreign chocolates like Belgian or American chocolate, without compromising quality. This is an important factor to consider when choosing Vietnamese chocolate as a gift.

With distinctive flavors and sophisticated handmade production processes, Vietnamese chocolate offers an excellent experience with outstanding value.

Support Local Vietnamese Products

Additionally, choosing Vietnamese chocolate supports local Vietnamese people and the economy. Each chocolate bar symbolizes Vietnam's diversity and richness, reflecting national pride and contributing to building a national brand.

The value of a Vietnamese chocolate gift lies not only in its flavor and quality but also in the connection and support it creates within the community, making memorable and meaningful moments.

Some Vietnamese Chocolate Brands on Chus:

1. Binon Cacao

Binon Cacao specializes in handcrafted products made from high-quality Vietnamese cacao. The brand emphasizes dedication and respect for nature, carefully selecting each ingredient to ensure the highest quality. Binon Cacao also uses eco-friendly packaging to minimize environmental impact.

With passion in every product, Binon Cacao offers an explosive experience of taste, aroma, and dedication. The brand believes in the mission of providing sustainable agricultural products that need to be perfected every day.

Owning their cacao garden, Binon is a suitable choice if you are looking for premium Vietnamese chocolate corporate gifts.

2. SOU.

A meeting with a Belgian chocolate artisan is the key to Sou's high-quality chocolate bars. The brand chooses handmade chocolate from Trinitario cacao beans in Tien Giang, Vietnam, as its main product.

Behind the brand is Ms. Thanh Huyen and a group of chocolate enthusiasts, happy to create and enjoy high-quality chocolate. Sou.'s chocolate is combined with nuts and dried fruits, offering flavorful chocolate bars that are ideal for enjoying and gifting.

3. Bittersweet Chocolatier

Bittersweet Chocolatier from Phu Quoc, Vietnam, uses premium Vietnamese cacao beans to create delicious and unique chocolate bars.

The brand's story began in 2018 when the founders explored cacao-growing regions in the Mekong Delta, inspired by farmers' hard work and the rich flavor of cacao beans.

After months of experimentation, Bittersweet Chocolatier perfected its unique formula, offering flavors such as coffee, chili, and ginger. The brand hopes to bring customers joy and happiness.

4. PPG Homemade Chocolate

Established in 2015, PPG Homemade Chocolate takes you to a sweet world with premium handmade chocolate products, from nama chocolate to French-style chocolate mendiants. PPG always aims to provide delicious gifts made from high-quality ingredients, ensuring consumer health.

Vietnamese cacao chocolate processed with Belgian technology, combined with Ben Tre coconut, Da Lat strawberries, Australian butter, without artificial flavors or industrial thickeners, offers authentic and outstanding taste. Excellent service quality and beautiful packaging make PPG an ideal destination for those looking for meaningful chocolate gifts for girlfriends or lovers.

...And many other brands.

On Chus, besides the mentioned names, there are many other reputable chocolate brands with high-quality and premium-flavored products, all made from genuine Vietnamese cacao beans. They are waiting for you to explore and experience the wonderful emotions that Vietnamese chocolate brings. Discover more to find the perfect choice for your special gift.

Bottom lines

Vietnamese chocolate is not only a quality gift but also a connection to the distinctive culinary culture of Vietnam. By choosing premium chocolate from Vietnamese artisans, you are not only getting exquisitely handcrafted gifts but also supporting farmers and the Vietnamese cacao tree.

Don't hesitate any longer; try the high-quality Vietnamese chocolate products on Chus now!