News

March, 2025

Chocolate spoke louder than words at Guvon Academy on 12 March 2025, as Norte-Eurocao, Ingreto’s international partner in premium chocolate and confectionery, officially launched its product range in South Africa.

Hosted by Ingreto, the event was not just a product showcase but a full-bodied experience that united flavour, innovation and insight. Flying in from Spain for the occasion, Lucas Bloem (Area Sales Manager) and Niall Moriarty (Export Manager) brought with them not only deep technical knowledge of the brand’s offering, but also a contagious passion that set the tone for the day.

Seven elite chefs from some of South Africa’s top establishments joined the event, alongside home baking specialists and culinary students. Attendees were treated to a guided tasting of the Blanxart Professional chocolate range, exploring cocoa percentages from a delicate 28% white to the bold intensity of Raval 71%. The tasting was both an education and an inspiration, illustrating the depth and diversity within the brand’s chocolate offering.

Guvon Academy’s students also played a starring role, showcasing practical applications using the Vela range of fillings and Sacher cake coatings. From classic patisserie to modern twists, their creations demonstrated the versatility and performance of Norte-Eurocao’s products in real-world settings.

The presentation covered more than just flavour - it also delved into the heritage of the brands under the Norte-Eurocao umbrella, and the strategic rationale behind the product basket selected for the South African market. Importantly, the floor was opened to the chefs in attendance, encouraging open discussion about the challenges they face in sourcing quality ingredients. This collaborative exchange reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting and evolving with the local culinary industry.

Ingreto extended special thanks to the chefs who attended, Guvon Academy for graciously hosting the event, and to Elce Wentzel (Ingreto) and Karen Blanche (Guvon Academy), whose tireless efforts ensured the launch was executed to perfection. A special thanks also goes to Linda Zitha (Ingreto Sales – Industrial segment) and Fhatuwani Ravuluvulu (Ingreto R&D) for their support on the day.

As the final plates were cleared and the last chocolates tasted, one thing was certain; Norte-Eurocao has arrived in South Africa not just to supply ingredients, but to inspire creativity, foster collaboration and become a trusted partner in kitchens across the country.