La Pause Chocolat Thé: the art of artisan chocolate
3 min
Since 2012, the creations of La Pause Chocolat Thé have delighted lovers of fine chocolate in the province of Luxembourg. The business has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of founder Stéphanie Bosch – with an invaluable partner by her side: BNP Paribas Fortis.
Chocolate has always been a passion for Stéphanie Bosch. At the age of 35, she turned that passion into a profession, opening the "La Pause Chocolat Thé" shop in Libramont with her husband Alain Baggen. That was in 2012. Today, the company employs nearly 20 people and produces around 17 tonnes of handmade chocolate each year.
3 shops and a host of gourmet products
With over 50 varieties of pralines, signature products like their chocolate cloud, seasonal creations and now also biscuits, ice cream, coffee and teas, the Pause Chocolat Thé range is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. And the business keeps growing. “We opened a second shop in Marche-en-Famenne, and recently launched a shop in shop in a Delhaize. We also sell our products in local supermarkets and through our website,” says Stéphanie.
The right partner for investing and growth
To grow, Stéphanie and Pause Chocolat Thé have had to invest. "In the new shops, as well as in our workshops and production facilities. Our new 450 m2 workshop is very well equipped.”
Since she started out, Stéphanie has been able to count on BNP Paribas Fortis and Anne Sohet, Local Business Manager for her region. "Anne and her colleagues helped finance the fit-out of our first shop, and later supported our other investments. With them, everything feels easy and natural. They understand our business and are transparent and attentive. We see each other regularly: this kind of proximity is key to meeting our needs and building a quality relationship,” explains Stéphanie.
Availability, proximity and mutual trust
"To support local companies, you need to be available, close to them and have a good understanding of their business", confirms Anne Sohet. “That’s how we build mutual trust. It's incredibly rewarding to see a new shop opening and know that we helped make it happen. The human connection we create with entrepreneurs like Stéphanie, people who truly bring their project to life, is what drives our profession," Anne concludes.
“This kind of proximity is key to meeting our needs and building a quality relationship.”
Stéphanie Bosch
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