was established in Australia 2001 to fill a need for fine
chocolates to be made and sold under an Australian label. The founder, Elvire van Leeuwen-Smith took an
extensive 5 year schooling in the art and science of chocolate-making, obtaining her certification as a Chocolatier, Pastry Chef and Food Scientist
from the Dutch Government, she worked with the founder of a well-known chocolate shop in Amsterdam, formulating
innovative bonbon recipes. The motif of these shops was to create delicious chocolates made of natural and pure
ingredients, an extremely high quality chocolate bonbon to customers/clients who valued the distinction between
mass produced and marketed chocolates and exquisitely beautiful chocolate creations. This tradition has been carried through to
Dutch Chocolates (USA - 1996) and now to Australian Chocolates and available from this internet
site.
Elvire's objective then as it is still now, is to provide the ultimate taste experience by using only the
finest ingredients in small batches to control the high quality. This commitment to the very highest quality remains her guiding philosophy,
and is one of the key reasons for the continuing success and growth of her company. With most of the world
"getting back to basics" when it comes to eating in a more healthy approach with food good for the body, without
additives and preservatives, Australian Chocolates are ideal, featuring only natural and pure
ingredients, and using mostly Australian Native Bush flavours - an incredible taste journey - one will not soon forget - like a very fine wine!
Elvire is an expert in creating distinctive bonbons that could be produced commercially, yet taste custom-made.
Every bonbon in her product lines is one of Elvire's own recipes. While the chocolates may be based on traditional
recipes, some over 65 years old, she has improved upon each to offer a complete line of unique bonbons that are
steeped in the civilized European traditions. Elvire's passion is about the quality and flavor of every piece
of chocolate leaving her company. Elvire personally samples each batch of chocolate and adds her personal guarantee
of quality to every piece that leaves the kitchen. Elvire's bonbon creations are available in specialty shops and
select upscale restaurants, cafe's, deli's and six/seven star hotels in Australia as well as discriminating
customers in Japan and throughout Asia.
One of the philosophies of Australian Chocolates is that a more costly and showy packaging (which is thrown away after
opening) often takes priority over the contents. Thus, Australian Chocolates emphasizes showcasing its very rich top
of the line chocolates in simple, yet very elegant understated packaging.
Real quality still exists; your taste buds never lie. Too often too much sugar is used in the
manufacturing of chocolates. It masks the beautiful flavor of the ingredients and the chocolate itself.
The proof is in the tasting of these bonbons; and deep down inside we all know what good quality
looks and tastes like. You can be sure if it is from Australian Chocolates; it is delicious, of the highest and best quality, and
gives you that old fashioned good feeling about yourself. Your friends will love it too!
Our company is a small, family owned and operated business that takes particular pride in our craftsmanship, quality
and personal service. We've been told our chocolate is the finest in the industry - and we work hard
to keep it that way.
