Valentine’s Day, winter’s biggest event, is almost here! With so many chocolate brands out there, it can be tricky deciding what to buy each year.
But fear not! The top 10 brands from a list of around 100 with the most sales were announced at Tokyo Daimaru’s “2017 Chocolate Promenade.” Let’s take a look at those top 10 and what they have planned for Valentine’s Day in 2018.
1st Place: Pierre Marcolini
This year’s theme for Pierre Marcolini is the ‘seahorse,’ a symbol for love and happiness. Their new product, simply called “Seahorse,” is plain milk chocolate. Using cocoa from Ecuador, it’s an exquisite blend of high-quality couverture chocolate.
2nd Place: Verdier
Raisins are coated in rich dark chocolate and submerged in noble rot wine from Bordeaux in southwestern France. Maturing for 3 months sweetens and deepens the flavour, while an assortment of white and milk chocolate adds a colour into the mix.
3rd Place: Yvan Valentin
For 2018 only, Yvan Valentin are introducing two limited edition flavours: ‘orange caramel’ and ‘grapefruit.’ The amalgamation of freshness and bittersweet tang from the citrus fruits just melts in your mouth.
4th Place: Pierre Ledent
These cute chocolates are themed around Japanese flowers and the traditional folding fan. While maintaining an elegance, the box they come in also has a playful charm.
5th Place: Maison d’ it
These chocolate truffle bon bons are a special combination of 6 divine flavours to enjoy. Simply sensational and sumptuous!
6th Place: Desiree
Desiree are releasing a new ensemble of temptations this year, including bittersweet cherry ganache, and everybody’s favourite – truffles.
7th Place: DelRaY
Expect three new flavours this year from DelRaY. The recommended option is the ‘green gold diamond,’ a combination of dark chocolate and apricot ganache.
8th Place: silsmaria
The new rich ‘cheese chocolate’ uses cheddar from Shikaoi Cheese Factory in Hokkaido’s district of Tokachi, and Hokkaido cheese powder.
9th Place: DEBAILLEUL
5 limited edition chocolates are making their way out of DEBAILLEUL for 2018. Their theme this year is “rose garden” which they beautifully incorporated onto the eye-catching packaging.
10th Place: Goncharoff Puchi Dessert A La Mode
A worthy contender for your Instagram feed are these new goodies. There are 7 to tickle your taste buds with, including ‘Gugelhupf’ covered in sweet chocolate.
When buying chocolate for Valentine’s Day this year, making it count – cute and delicious is the way to go!
Tokyo Daimaru
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Orders are now open for some tasty chocolates inspired by the many handsome characters from Touken Ranbu ONLINE! These sweets come in decorative tins, and while they can be ordered now from Premium Bandai, they will also be available in supermarkets and other shops starting December 26, 2022.
Chocolate Tins / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
These tins feature many popular characters, and customers can choose from Yamanbagiri Chogi, Nankaitarou Chouson & Hizen Tadahiro, Suishinshi Masahide & Minamoto Kiyomaro, Kokindenjunotachi & Jizou Yukihira, or Ichimonji Norimune. These gorgeous tins contain three types of chocolate: rolled chocolate, fan-shaped chocolate printed with the swordsman’s crest and motif, and cherry-blossomed-shaped strawberry chocolate.Assorted Chocolate Tin / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
These assorted chocolate tins are available in four designs. The first depicts Mikazuki Munechika, Kogitsunemaru, Ishikirimaru, Iwatooshi, and Imanotsurugi. The second features Kashuu Kiyomitsu and Yamatonokami Yasusada, while the third depicts Taikogane Sadamune, Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, Ookurikara, and Kuninaga Tsurumaru. The fourth shows Higekiri and Hizamaru. The chocolates in each tin are inspired by these characters, and these would make perfect gifts for fans of the mobile and online game.Variety Chocolate Tin / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Those who can’t choose a favorite character will want to snag one of these assorted tins, filled with familiar faces from the series. Grabbing all three will net you all 101 swordsmen!(C)2015 EXNOA LLC/NITRO PLUS Information
Chocolate Tins / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Price: ¥972 each (Tax Included, Shipping and Handling Not Included)
5 varieties total
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Specialty cafe chain ‘Bread, Espresso &’ will begin selling special items as a part of its chocolate fair at the Harajuku location, ‘Junkissa Bread, Espresso &’ starting June 1!
Many of the existing items on the shop’s menu will be available in chocolate versions. The Chocolate Mint French Toast is chilled and perfect for summer, drizzled with chocolate cream and mint sauce. Additional mint can be added to your heart’s content! The mint cocoa (pictured top right) features blended mint cream on top with cocoa on the bottom. The two halves blend effortlessly as the top warms and the bottom cools. Come enjoy these chocolate treats during the warm summer months! Information
Bread, Espresso &
Address: 6-25-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00-18:00 (Last order at 7:30)
Open Every Day
Homepage: http://www.bread-espresso.jp/ -
From March 12 until April 3, chocolate lovers will want to visit Laforet Harajuku! 30 different stores are celebrating the 95th anniversary of Meiji Milk Chocolate with over 80 new pieces of collaborative apparel, toys, and snacks.
Collaboration Items at a Glance
Laforet Staff in Unique Collaboration Outfits
Wind and Sea Pop-up Shop
Laforet Harajuku continues to be a place to discover local fashion and culture. Meiji spearheaded this collaboration after realizing the potential to create new and exciting pieces for fashionable chocolate lovers to enjoy! A wide range of products from clothing to chocolate block-shaped home goods are available now, along with Meiji White Chocolate and Meiji Black Chocolate items! A Wind and Sea pop-up shop will open for the first time at Laforet Harajuku during the event and will also be selling chocolate-themed items. Fashion model and YouTuber Noah Sato will also be featured in event ads as a Meiji Chocolate ambassador! Those purchasing collaboration items will receive a special Meiji Chocolate bar in unique packaging while supplies last. Information
Meiji Milk Chocolate Collection in Laforet
Running: March 12 – April 3, 2022
Details: https://www.laforetharajuku.com/
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From January 19 until February 15, gelato pique cafe is selling four chocolate-based treats for Valentine’s Day! The theme of this new menu is ‘Melt,’ and guests are asked to enjoy the richness of melting chocolate during this sweet season.
Fondant Chocolat Crepe (Dine-in: ¥980 / Take-out: ¥970)
This crepe is topped with chocolate fondant that melts into a warm chocolate sauce inside. The chocolate whipped cream is combined with Royal Bourbon gelato, accented with blackberry and black currant sauce, and a bit of crunchiness from the cookie bits.Chocolate Crepe (Dine-in: ¥980 / Take-out: ¥970)
This mouth-watering crepe includes plenty of whipped cream and a luxurious fresh chocolate sauce topping. Inside, dark chocolate gelato is mixed with cocoa-flavored chocolate whipped cream.Hot Chocolate Chai (Dine-in: ¥640 / Take-out: ¥630)
This hot chocolate is a variation of the popular chai beverage. White chocolate is combined with Assam tea leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for that perfect chai flavor. The sweetness of the hot chocolate is enhanced by the rich spices, giving it a more mature flavor!Hot Dark Chocolate (Dine-in: ¥640 / Take-out: ¥630)
Extra dark chocolate is only enhanced with a roasted flavor creating a less sweet hot chocolate beverage. Available toppings are less sweet whipped cream, milk chocolate, and chocolate sauce. -
Western confectionery brand Meine Rollen has begun selling a collection of Pokemon-themed Valentine’s day goods for 2022! Although some of these chocolates look too cute to eat, they’ll certainly earn top marks with your crush.
Chocolate Set L (Pokemon)
Sleeping Pikachu Pack (Pokemon)
Eevee & Friends Pack (Pokemon)
Last year’s designs focused on characters from Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, Gold, and Silver, released between 1996 and 1999. This year’s imagery was inspired by all games in the series, appealing to an even larger audience. Which design do you like the most?Information
Meine Rollen Pokemon Designs
On Sale Now
Where to Buy: Department Stores nationwide
Official Site: http://www.matsukazeya.co.jp/syouhin/event/v-pokemon.html
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Godiva Japan has begun selling two special Chocolixir beverages for Valentine’s Day! The Chocolixir Valentine Limited Edition Strawberry White Chocolate drink will be available either hot or cold and sweets lovers will feel indulged by their decadent flavors.
Regular Size (270ml): ¥700 (Tax Included) / Large Size (350ml): ¥790 (Tax Included) / Hot (220ml): ¥700 (Tax Included)
These magical elixirs are perfect for the Valentine’s season. The gentle sweetness of the white chocolate and the elegant sourness of the strawberry sauce are perfectly balanced, and the whipped cream is topped with adorable pink hearts. Be sure to find a participating location near you to pick up one of these tasty treats while you can!Information
Chocolixir Valentine Limited Edition Strawberry White Chocolate
Hot Chocolixir Valentine Limited Edition Strawberry White Chocolate
Available: January 12, 2021 – February 15, 2022 *While Supplies Last
Participating Stores: https://www.godiva.co.jp/boutique/storelist/
*Sales period subject to change. Store hours may change.