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Benoit chocolats
The Benoit Chocolats adventure began in 1975, when Mr. and Mrs. Benoit opened an artisanal chocolate shop in the heart of Angers. Very quickly, the workshop stood out for the quality of its creations, all crafted on site by Gilbert Benoit, a passionate chocolatier. Their children grew up immersed in this chocolate world, naturally embracing the values of tradition, precision, and passion.
In 1997, the maison entered a new phase of development. Anne-Françoise, the youngest daughter, took over the family business, carrying forward its artisanal heritage while strengthening the historic commitments of the chocolaterie: the quality of ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and a constant pursuit of excellence.
The Paris boutique, opened in 2009 in the Marais district by Véronique, the eldest, marked another milestone in the brand’s growth and renown.
Today, all Benoit creations — Caramandes®, chocolates, and confectionery — are still handcrafted in a workshop near Angers, following exclusive recipes and rigorous savoir-faire. Authenticity, indulgence, and excellence remain the pillars of our maison.
In 2023, Anne-Françoise and Véronique entrusted their company to a new chapter. On this occasion, Benoit Chocolats joined forces with Le Fondant Baulois® — a natural alliance between two artisanal houses, both rooted in western France and united by a passion for chocolate, excellence, and the pursuit of authentic taste.
This new dynamic is driven by Armand Fonteneau, head chocolatier. Leading the workshop, he is committed to preserving the savoir-faire, precision, and uncompromising quality that have built the maison’s reputation. The house continues to evolve — its spirit remains unchanged.
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Benoit chocolats
- 1975 Opening of the Chocolaterie Benoit by her parents
- 1997Anne-Françoise Benoit takes over the family business
- 2003 Wins the “Young Talent” Award
- 2004 Opens a second shop & tea house in Angers
- 2007 Creation of a 300 m² workshop on the outskirts of Angers
- 2009Opening of a boutique in Paris, 4ᵗʰ arrondissement – Le Marais
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2010 - 2016
Anne-Françoise Benoit receives numerous awards : Names among 12 Best Chocolatiers in France, Award for Best Female Chocolatier, Epicures Silver Prize for her creation, Caramandes®
- 2017 World competition: Silver Medal for Caramandes®
- 2023Caramandes® wins the Best Of Gourmet Sélection award, the leading trade show for fine grocery and gastronomy professionals
- 2023Benoit Chocolats joins forces with Le Fondant Baulois®, a house that shares its artisanal values of excellence and local roots
- 2024Arrival of Armand Fonteneau, Head Chocolatier
- 2025Épicures Bronze Prize for the Fondant Baulois Praliné Craquant, inspired by Caramandes®
The SAVOIR-FAIRE of
In our workshop located in Les Ponts-de-Cé, near Angers, each chocolate is handcrafted using traditional methods and with the utmost respect for the raw ingredients.
We carefully select noble cocoa crus, sourced in particular from Ecuador, Brazil, and Venezuela, renowned for their aromatic richness. Our main supplier is certified B Corp®, a guarantee of strong social and environmental commitment.
Our collection includes more than 70 chocolate creations, combining sweetness, intensity, and perfect balance — a unique signature of flavor to be savored without restraint.