David Maenhout, the famous chocolatier at Chocolatier M in Knokke-Heist, has been named "Belgium Chocolate Personality of the Year" for the first time by the trade magazine Chocolaterie. This prize was created to honour Belgian chocolatiers who excel through their high quality, innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.
A well-established name
David Maenhout was voted the overall winner by industry associations, his peers, suppliers, producers, food schools and the public. This is not the first award he has received for his expertise: he has already been crowned "Chocolatier of the Year" by the Gault&Millau gastronomic guide and has received several international prizes. The founder of Chocolatier M has become a household name in the chocolate industry. His creations are appreciated for their refined taste and trendy look.
As Callebaut Chocolate Ambassador, he embodies the essence of Belgian chocolate. This latest award is a fitting recognition of the hard work put in by David, his partner Isabelle and their dedicated team: "This is an incredible honour for me. Our priority is always quality and customer satisfaction. This recognition rewards the work I do every day with Isabelle and our fantastic team.”
Unique character
Chocolatier M, the dynamic business run by David Maenhout and Isabelle Hertsens, has been a popular chocolate shop on the Belgian coast for many years. They specialise in top-quality gourmet chocolates. David draws his inspiration from a variety of sources, including collaborations with top chefs, nature, local products and his travels to various destinations and food festivals, from Knokke to Seoul. Behind each trendy creation lies a fascinating story.
Over the past few years, David has managed to stand out in an extraordinary and inspiring way. This is all the more remarkable given that he operates in the land of chocolate, where competition and expertise are high. The trade magazine Chocolaterie recognised his achievements and described his chocolate creations as exceptional.
Innovative and sustainable entrepreneurship
This award recognises Maenhout's efforts in terms of innovation and sustainability. By constantly seeking innovative techniques, he manages to refine the look and taste of his chocolates and improve their shelf life. He is also working with the AZ Zeno hospital to develop healthier chocolates and with Barry Callebaut on products development.
Maenhout is increasingly working with local products, from herbs, berries and fruit to locally roasted coffee. Besides, his also taking part in the "Verdwenen Zwinhavens", an archaeological project which aims to find out what was grown in these regions during the Middle Ages. The chocolatier brings these vanished ingredients back to life with his chocolates “from our homeland”. Finally, the chocolatier also considers a sustainable supply chain and opts for fully recyclable packaging.
