Best Western European Confectionery Types
Gianduja is a sweet creamy spread made of chocolate and ground hazelnuts. It was invented in Turin in the 19th century as a means of stretching the limited amount of chocolate available due to an imposed shortage of cocoa supplies in Italy. Since the area of Piedmont has always been rich in high-quality hazelnuts due to the region's indigenous hazelnut trees, a chocolatier named Michele Prochet created the first gianduja by extending the insufficient amount of chocolate with the region's exceptional hazelnuts.
The recipe calls for about 30% of hazelnut paste; however, the most famous gianduja-inspired spread, Nutella (originally called Pasta Gianduja), contains less than half of the amount.
THE BEST Gianduja Chocolates
Jijona, or Turrón de Jijona, is a type of nougat produced in the town and municipality of Jijona, in the Valencian Community on the eastern coast of Spain. This confectionary is made by cooking sugar and honey and mixing them with almonds and egg whites.
This simple, yet flavorful candy has a special place in Spanish cuisine due to its complex, characteristic and unique flavor. Even though it contains only four humble ingredients, it is characterized by the complex aroma that contains hints of herbs such as rosemary and thyme, and spices such as ginger and cardamom.
Chocolate truffles are made with ganache that's shaped into a ball, dipped in chocolate, and rolled in cocoa powder. The story of chocolate truffles began with the invention of cocoa press in 1828, which allowed chocolatiers to extract cocoa butter from cocoa beans.
After extracting the cocoa butter, they were left with chocolate solids which, combined with cream, became ganache, the key ingredient used as an inner layer of true chocolate truffles. In order to make different and distinctive flavors, additions such as peanut butter, cognac, champagne, caramel, fruits, or nuts are added to the ganache.
VARIATIONS OF Truffe au chocolat
THE BEST Truffe au chocolat Chocolate Confectioneries

Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier
Velvet Truffle – Caramel & Liquorice
International Chocolate Awards - Gold 2023, 2016
Cioccolato di Modica is a traditional chocolate, that is manually ground and cold-processed, which gives it a unique grainy, sandy, crunchy texture and a peculiar aroma. The bitter cocoa paste is worked with sugar, and the flavor of the chocolate is sweet with some bitter notes.
When eaten, the chocolate melts well in the mouth, but one can still taste the sugar crystals on the tongue. Additional ingredients can also be added to the chocolate – a bit of salt; dried or dehydrated fruit such as pistachios, citrus, almonds, and hazelnuts; spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, chili pepper, or nutmeg; and natural flavorings such as citrus, wild fennel, jasmine, or ginger.
French pralines are traditional sweet products made with a combination of caramelized sugar and whole almonds. They bear little resemblance to the classic, chocolate-based Belgian pralines, though these caramel-coated almonds are occasionally ground into a fine powder called pralin, which is commonly used as a filling in Belgian pralines.
It is believed that Ursuline nuns who arrived in Louisiana in the 1700s brought the tradition of preparing French pralines. The original recipe was later adapted with butter, cream, and pecans to create the now-classic American pecan praline.
THE BEST French pralines Pralines

Mazapán de Toledo is a type of marzipan produced in the province of Toledo. It is made by grinding and kneading peeled almonds with sugar until they form a paste. The almonds must constitute at least 50% of the final product to be sold as 'Mazapán de Toledo'.
The tradition of making the marzipan has been brought to the central and southern Spain by the Arabs during the medieval ages. Today, the Marzipan from Toledo is still made in the traditional way following the rules of the small-scale production from the 16th century, thus ensuring superior quality and taste.
Turrón de Alicante is a dry, firm nougat, covered with a smooth wafer produced in the municipality of Jijona in Alicante province using raw ingredients coming from Alicante, Castellón and Valencia. It is of Arabic origin and traditionally made with peeled and toasted almonds, honey, egg whites and sugar.
The key to preparing an authentic Alicante turrón is in the selection of raw materials and the correct manner of mixing the ingredients and choosing the right moment, 'el punto de la bola', when the mixture is ready to be rolled into a ball to become this extraordinary nougat.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Pralines roses, or "pink pralines," are a type of confectionery from France, particularly associated with Lyon. These candies are made by coating almonds with a vibrant pink sugar coating. They are both visually striking and delicious, and they serve as a key ingredient in several traditional French desserts.
The main ingredients are almonds and sugar, with pink food coloring giving the pralines their distinctive color. The preparation involves coating the almonds in pink sugar syrup, which is heated until it crystallizes around the nuts, creating a crunchy, sweet coating.
Turrón de Agramunt is the nougat made in the municipality of Agramunt in the Catalan district of Urgell in the Province of Lérida. It is produced using honey, peeled and roasted almonds or hazelnuts, sugar, egg whites and covered in wafers.
It has a firm and crunchy texture, yet melts in the mouth. In order to prepare this sweet nougat, the old nougat-makers used to roast the hazelnuts before mixing them with the honey and stirred the mixture until it became homogeneous. Today, it is still a hand-made delicacy prepared following the traditional recipe.
This Portuguese confectionery is prepared with peeled and roasted sweet almonds, and it comes in three different versions: an uncoated variety that is simply dusted with sugar, the standard white-coated variety, and a dark version that employs chocolate or cocoa powder.
The most common one is the coated version which is covered in a mixture of white sugar, water, and (optionally) egg whites. The finished product is easily distinguishable by sugar nozzles that form around the kernels during the production. Traditionally associated with Easter and other festivities, this local Moncorvo confectionery has been produced for centuries, and it is still made following the traditional techniques and a centuries-old process of production.
Best Western European Confectionery Producers
Guido Castagna is a renowned chocolatier from Turin, Italy, known for his expertise in creating high-quality gianduia chocolates. His chocolate shop, founded in 2002, has quickly become one of the most esteemed in Turin due to its focus on natural ingredients and artisanal methods.
Castagna's signature product, the Giuinott, is celebrated for its blend of cocoa and hazelnuts, earning multiple awards at international competitions. His shop also offers a variety of other chocolate products, including truffles and spreadable gianduia.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012

International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012

International Chocolate Awards - Bronze
2022, 2018
BEST Guido Castagna Chocolates
Bellantoni Cioccolato is a luxury brand founded by award-winning chocolatier Giacomo Bellantoni, specializing in artisanal products crafted from the finest raw materials. Each creation offers a unique sensory experience, featuring an exquisite range of chocolates, pralines, spreads, and gourmet jams.
The brand’s elegant packaging, made from wood and leather, highlights its attention to detail and sets Bellantoni Cioccolato apart in the global market.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2020

International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2023, 2020

International Chocolate Awards - Bronze
2022, 2020
BEST Bellantoni Chocolates
Piccola Pasticceria is a charming little pastry shop located in Casale Monferrato, Italy. This producer specializes in traditional Italian sweets, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their offerings include a variety of cakes, pastries, croissants, and other delightful treats, often beautifully decorated.
The atmosphere at Piccola Pasticceria is warm and inviting, and the staff is known for their friendliness and willingness to recommend specialties. Many visitors return for the authentic flavors and attention to detail in every creation. If you find yourself nearby, it's definitely worth stopping by to enjoy one of their sweet delights!
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014

Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2017

International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014
BEST Piccola Pasticceria Confectioneries
Villa & Stacchezzini is an elegant destination located in the beautiful surroundings of Faenza, Italy. Renowned for its premium pastries and chocolate, this villa combines tradition and innovation in culinary arts. Visitors can enjoy delicious tastings in a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for dessert lovers and gastronomic enthusiasts.
With a focus on quality and attention to detail, Villa & Stacchezzini offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking authentic Italian sweets.
AWARDS

Tavoletta D'Oro -
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017

Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
2022, 2020
BEST Villa & Stacchezzini Chocolates
AWARDS

Tavoletta D'Oro -
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014

Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
2016, 2015
BEST Cioccolato Di Bruco Chocolates
Amedei is a luxury chocolate manufacturer based in Pontedera, Italy, renowned for its high-quality and artisanal products. Founded in 1990 by Cecilia Tessieri, Amedei is distinguished for being one of the first to implement a bean-to-bar process, controlling every stage of chocolate production.
The company gained international acclaim when its Chuao chocolate bar won the prestigious Golden Bean award from the Academy of Chocolate in London. Amedei prides itself on sourcing premium cocoa beans directly from carefully selected plantations, ensuring both quality and ethical practices.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean
2013, 2011, 2009

Tavoletta D'Oro - Premio del ventennale Award
2024, 2023

Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007
BEST Amedei Chocolates
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2021, 2016, 2013, 2011, 2006

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2012

International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2012
BEST Michel Cluizel Chocolates
François Pralus is a master chocolate maker based in France. He is known for owning one of the few chocolate manufacturing facilities in France that processes cocoa beans directly into chocolate. Pralus offers a wide range of products, including the famous Pralus Bar, consisting of 50 grams of pure varieties of cocoa from different regions around the world.
He also created the Praluline, a popular brioche studded with pink pralines.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2011, 2009

Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2013, 2011, 2009

International Chocolate Awards - Bronze
2014
BEST François Pralus Chocolates
Maychoco is a bean-to-bar chocolate producer located in Malaga, Spain. Established by Mayte Sánchez in 2019, the company is known for its high-quality artisan chocolates, crafted using beans mainly sourced from Peru. The entire process, from roasting to the final chocolate bar, is done in their workshop along the Costa del Sol.
The workshop began with modest equipment, reflecting Sánchez's passion for chocolate which was reignited at the age of 40 after a career shift from the restaurant business. Her dedication has led to Maychoco earning several distinctions at the International Chocolate Awards, highlighting its excellence on a global scale?.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2020

International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2023
Domori is an Italian chocolatier established in 1997 by Gianluca Franzoni, located in None, Piedmont. The company specializes in high-quality chocolate made from fine and rare cocoa varieties, such as Criollo cocoa, which is less common and more delicate compared to other types.
Domori is also known for its sustainable and innovative approach to chocolate production, prioritizing the preservation of native cocoa plant varieties through their plantation project in Venezuela. Additionally, Domori offers a wide range of products including chocolate bars, pralines, and spreads.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2018, 2016

Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2009, 2006

International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2012
BEST Domori Chocolates
Best Western European Confectioneries
+55 Crema di Nocciola from Guido Castagna is a premium Italian hazelnut spread, renowned for its rich flavor and high-quality ingredients. It contains 55% Piemonte IGP hazelnuts, which are considered some of the best in the world due to their intense flavor.
Unlike many commercial spreads, +55 Crema di Nocciola is free from palm oil, focusing instead on natural and sustainable components. This spread is characterized by its smooth texture and a deep, roasted nuttiness, enhanced by the use of raw cane sugar and cocoa butter.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2013, 2012

International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2017

Tavoletta D'Oro -
2021, 2018, 2017, 2016
Gianduja Fondente by Guido Castagna is a luxurious dark chocolate blend that stands out for its rich flavor and high-quality ingredients. This dark nougat chocolate is renowned for its use of fine cocoa from Venezuela and IGP-certified Piedmont hazelnuts, known for their unique sweetness and intense flavor.
This product has garnered accolades in the competitive chocolate world, highlighting its exceptional quality and flavor profile. It was awarded a gold medal at the International Chocolate Awards for several years, affirming its status among the elite chocolates globally.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014

International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2022
Mandorle d'Avola from Slitti Chocolate features premium Avola almonds, known for their distinctive sweet and delicate flavor. These almonds are coated with a fine layer of milk chocolate, which complements their natural taste. The combination of toasted Avola almonds and high-quality chocolate creates a luxurious treat, perfect for enjoying at any time.
This product is crafted using traditional methods, ensuring a high standard of quality and flavor preservation.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2019, 2018, 2017, 2014

Tavoletta D'Oro -
2022
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2020
Nocciola Piemonte Bassinata al Gianduia made by Piccola Pasticceria is a confectionery product that features premium quality hazelnuts known as Nocciola Piemonte IGP. These hazelnuts are roasted to enhance their natural flavors and then coated in a rich layer of gianduia, a smooth and creamy chocolate hazelnut blend.
The result is a decadent and luxurious treat that highlights the distinct taste of Piedmont hazelnuts combined with the luxurious creaminess of gianduia chocolate.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2022, 2020, 2019
Manjari Orange by Valrhona is a unique blend of chocolate and citrus flavors. This product features dark chocolate infused with orange zest, creating a harmonious balance between the richness of the chocolate and the bright, tangy notes of the fruit.
The chocolate used in Manjari Orange typically boasts a high cocoa content, which enhances its depth and complexity.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2011, 2009, 2008
The Pralina Alle Arachidi Salate from Villa & Stacchezzini is a delightful chocolate that combines the richness of chocolate with crunchy, salty peanuts. This praline offers a perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness, creating an unforgettable experience.
The chocolate is typically creamy and smooth, while the peanuts add an interesting texture and flavor. It’s ideal as a treat or snack, perfect for anyone who loves sweet and savory combinations. This praline makes a great gift or a special indulgence for yourself!
AWARDS

Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
2022, 2020
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2017
AWARDS

Tavoletta D'Oro -
2018, 2017
Cremino Pistacchio by Gardini Cioccolato is a luxurious Italian chocolate known for its rich and creamy texture. It typically features layers of fine white chocolate infused with high-quality pistachios, creating a distinct and harmonious flavor profile.
The craftsmanship involved in its production emphasizes traditional Italian techniques, ensuring a premium product that delights the senses with each bite.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2022


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