Leaders in Luxury Awards 2025 | 71 Winter 2025 | 13 There are few foods as satisfying to savour as chocolate, and European chocolate is undoubtedly some of the best in the world. One of the companies vying for the crown in this competitive landscape is Benedict, a Slovenian family business that has been crafting its premium chocolate by hand and with love since 1993. Named as the Best Premium Chocolatier 2025 – Slovenia in this feature, we take a closer look at this business, which operates under the brand name ‘Cukrček’, below. Premium Chocolate Handmade in Slovenia have historically had to miss out on premium chocolate as it is often made either directly with these ingredients or there is a risk of factory contamination. Speaking of its dark chocolate, there is a line with a higher percentage of cocoa for a richer flavour. All of these lines, and many more, can be found at the Cukrček-branded stores scattered across Ljubljana, including one situated next to the famous Robba Fountain. As shoppers walk around and soak up all of the top-quality chocolates on offer here, they are provided with a tasting sample of the brand’s famous chocolate with salt to enjoy. A second store, this one located opposite the Grand Hotel Union, also offers roasted almonds in the winter and handmade ice cream in the summer, alongside these chocolate treats. Outside of its usual business, Cukrček also offers a number of companybased incentives, including crafting personalised chocolate bars complete with a business’ logo, cover, or flavour of their choice. These are perfect for employees and customers alike and make fantastic advertising campaigns or service gifts. Similarly, for those companies looking to get more stuck in, a team-building activity is available, during which teams will have chance to make their own chocolate with help from an in-house master chocolatier. Finally, Cukrček is immensely proud to serve its customers in a number of unique and exciting ways, including offering them a chance to rent a chocolate fountain for their event (all of the dipping food is included, and the choice of which type of chocolate they want is theirs), providing a cart full of chocolate and related treats for their parties, delivering roasted almonds or hazelnuts with a variety of toppings for any occasion, and offering chocolate workshops for between 8 and 16 people to learn this exquisite craft. As all of this shows, Benedict is much more than just a family chocolate business and Cukrček is much more than just an average chocolate brand. The 100% chocolate pleasure that is delivered across every aspect of the company sets it apart in this competitive landscape, and the heritage inherent across the brand sees its products feel even more prestigious than they already would. On the back of this distinction, it is our pleasure to name Benedict/Cukrček the Best Premium Chocolatier 2025 – Slovenia. Contact: Luka Bonotelli Company: Benedict/Cukrček Web Address: https://cukrcek.si/ or almost 25 years, Benedict has taken an innovative approach to making chocolate, with its willingness to push the boundaries when it comes to flavours and ingredients signalling the dedication that has defined the business since day one. The company’s headquarters, production, and branches are all based in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, and its products can also be found in supermarkets and other speciality chocolate stores across the country and beyond. Again, these are all sold under the famous ‘Cukrček’ brand. One glance at the vast selection of products available from Cukrček showcases its encompassing approach to chocolate creation, with its range covering everything from novelty and seasonal items to bars, boxes, and bags of chocolate and chocolate-related products. A whole host of flavours and varieties are available across this unrivalled selection, from standard milk, white, and dark through to chocolate mixed with ingredients such as salt, chilli, apple, and more. Thus, Cukrček has something for every palate. The diverse selection on offer here is in no way indicative of quantity over quality, and Benedict ensures that all of the chocolate it makes is done so using only the finest cocoa and other raw ingredients. For example, the chocolate itself is made from 100% cocoa, which originates from Latin America and is grown on plantations in the Caribbean Islands. Any additional items – fruits, nuts, fillings, toppings, etc. – are sourced with similar rigour, ensuring that every product boasting the signature Cukrček ‘C’ is outstanding. Tapping into the pioneering streak that has long been the calling card of Benedict and, in turn, Cukrček, all of its products are gluten free, and there is also a lactose-free line of its dark chocolate. This is fantastic news for those with these specific dietary requirements, as they F
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