|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
| |
On the banks of the Danube River, in Czechoslovakia,
near the picturesque Carpathian Mountain Range, Leopold
Grunhut began studying the art of fine chocolate making.
Before long, his skills were acclaimed and he began
creating unique chocolate confections with delicate
balances of flavor in his small kitchen. Using only
fresh cream from the local farmers, his small operation
soon became the talk of the town. Within five years,
he had four stores in town selling his confections. |
|
|
| |
|
| After WWII devastated the region, the company
relocated to New York, with young Erwin at the helm of the
family business. Under the Astor Chocolate name, the business
flourished with Erwin’s creativity, and unique style.
Astor Chocolates European inspired confections soon achieved
national renown. |
 |
| Astor’s name in fine, quality chocolates
soon spread and their first large-scale customer was Macy’s.
Many other department stores soon followed and Astor’s
reputation grew. They were synonymous with European tradition,
signature distinctive flavors, and original thinking. |
|
|
|
|
Over the years, Astor became famous
for its innovations in the chocolate market.
In the 1960’s it was illegal to sell liqueur-filled
chocolate. Erwin thought of a creative alternative,
a chocolate cordial cup to be filled with liqueur. This
dark Belgian chocolate cup soon became a best seller,
as the company aligned with brand name liqueur brands
such as Kahlua, Nocello, Tia Maria as well as private
label packages for other liqueur companies. The classic
liqueur cup gift box was prominently displayed in the
window of Bloomingdales and a feature article was written
in the home magazine – House Beautiful. |
|
 |
|
 |
| |
In 1965, the Chocolate Chess Set was designed by
a famous artist. It came complete with solid dark
and white chocolate playing pieces and an edible board
in a beautiful gift box. This too became a popular
item and was featured in Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales
and other popular mail-order catalogs of the day.
The chess set was followed by Astor’s chocolate
greeting cards, chocolate love letters and other unique
gift items. |
|
| |
|
|
Astor Chocolate was expanding rapidly. They moved to a large new
factory in Glendale, New York. This enabled the installation of
new production equipment to facilitate high quality production in
a very short turnaround.
In the 1970’s, Astor introduced customized turndown chocolates
to the American hotel market. These chocolate mints soon became
the hallmark of turndown service at many
famous hotels. Astor remains the industry leader in chocolate
amenities for the hospitality industry. |
| |
|
| Expanding on its success with chocolate
gift-shops, Astor imported a European concept by creating
a line of chocolate souvenirs featuring photos and scenes
of cities across the USA. Airport and souvenir shops
nationwide now offered sweet memories to travelers to
take home to family and friends. |
| |
As sales grew, there was a need for a larger manufacturing
facility and the company moved to its current headquarters
- a 120,000 square foot modern facility in Lakewood,
New Jersey. |
|
|
In 2000, Astor broadened its vision by acquiring Le Belge
Chocolatier, a San Francisco based chocolate company. Founded
by a Parisian couple, Philippe and Heugette Dumas, this boutique
shop was providing the country’s most discerning resorts
with luxurious confections. Le Belge is renowned for its artful
blend of European tradition, fine Belgian chocolate and premium
ingredients. |
 |
|
|
In 2005, Le Belge moved into a newly
constructed facility in Napa Valley, California, a perfect setting
for the flavorful, fragrant, and luscious chocolate they are famous
for. Le Belge continues to produce small batches of artisanal
chocolates, inspired by their European founders
Astor Chocolate continues to grow and expand its horizons in
the many markets that it serves, while upholding the foundation
of old-fashioned values and unbridled creativity that brought
on its initial success. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
