Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, no one, in principle, can remain indifferent to one or two bites of chocolate taken from a box or a few squares from a bar. A few hours before Christmas, the race for gifts becomes frantic, and sometimes we can miss out and disappoint the recipient. When we offer chocolate, even if it means paying the price, candied chestnuts or candied fruits, the joy of receiving them and the pleasure of sharing them are always there. The proof is provided by four (brands) from Perpignan whose windows are already making you salivate with envy!
“Despite a 300% increase in the cost of cocoa over the past year, we try to satisfy all chocolate lovers”
For the past week, Parfum Chocolat (4 rue Mailly), the little boutique with divine scents owned by Sophie, an artisan chocolatier assisted by Marjorie, has been full. Customers queue patiently behind the door and only enter in homeopathic doses. And when they take their turn, it's not to buy just a plate of dark or milk chocolate – a house specialty – but a complete box. “The cost of cocoa continues to increase: +50% this month compared to last November, +300% for a year, even exceeding the price of copper! Supply continues to decrease, but demand is exploding , says Sophie, the manager. The reasons? The combination of the consequences of climate change and the El Niño phenomenon which have weakened harvests in cocoa-producing countries, the four main countries in Africa being Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. Stating, “we make sure not to penalize our customers. And satisfy all chocolate lovers. For example, as for Christmas 2023, we stayed at the same price, i.e. 8.50 euros per 100 grams. Our first plantation vintages (high cocoa contents), they are still 8 euros”.
“Sales of chocolates and candied chestnuts are soaring”
Between two sales, Agnès and her sister Jenny, the two chocolate confectioners Godiva Esparcel (11 rue de la Barre), devote the necessary time to advising customers on this or that product. And that's not such an easy exercise. Between the undecided, those accustomed to this or that confectionery and who don't want to give up, those who look twice at the prices, and the newbies discovering these thousand wonders that they devour eyes, the choice seems difficult. “Take your time and if you need advice, we are here”Jenny and Agnès whisper to them. Renowned for the high quality of its confectionery, the Esparcel house, founded in 1930, has made it a point of honor for 94 years to, “cdelight all taste buds”. In this month of December 2024, the watchword seems to be more than ever “please and have fun”. The two sisters confirm “sales of chocolates and candied chestnuts, shoulder to shoulder, are soaring. We feel that people need comfort, sweetness and good vibes.”
“Ups and downs linked to the surge in cocoa prices, but we remain in balance”
Rather high-end clientele, but without affluence, or one-day customers wishing to offer their loved ones or friends some sweets without spending money for this exceptional occasion: such people come across each other in the boutique under the Yves brand Thuriès located a stone's throw from Place Rep' (8 rue Voltaire), newbies, amateurs and cocoa connoisseurs. “We're not going to lie, we got into the hard part this week in terms of attendance, recognizes the manager, delighted. It's the final stretch for the big rush.”. “Despite the ups and downs linked to the surge in cocoa prices, she addsI try to stay in balance. Our best sellers? Morello cherry and kirsch chocolate candies, assortments and our candied chestnuts.
“Parents and children almost have their own tailor-made confectionery”
Originality at Jeff de Bruges (15 rue de l'Ange), a very French franchise despite its “Belgian” name (it was in Bruges that its 1re chocolate factory, Editor's note), is to offer “almost tailor-made confectionery”. Thus, on the displays of the Perpignan boutique of the 36-year-old twin brothers, Rémi and Kévin Pacilly, boxes filled with chocolate bites, in the shape of Christmas characters, sit alongside luxurious boxes. Festive pouches with naive designs sit next to bars of dark or milk chocolate. Further on, candied chestnuts – “18 steps are necessary to make them” say the Pacilly brothers – are displayed at a height… Solène and Amélie, the “two happy elves”, are busy alongside them. “We are on the job this week and this will continue until the 24th at noon…”, assures Rémi. And it's Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Sunday from 10 a.m.).
