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Hong Kong's chocolate lovers are in for a new sweet treat as one of Switzerland's premier chocolate makers, FRANCESCA, opens its first boutique and regional headquarters in the city today (May 8).
Unique in that FRANCESCA provides a personalised chocolate service, the brand aims to target Hong Kong's private and social organisations, corporations and individuals to provide an innovative and intriguing alternative in gifting. The company's product and service range is varied and can be tailored to suit different clients' needs. From specialty gifts to global seminars on Chocolate Connoisseur pairing with Champagne, Wine, Cognac, Whisky and Cigars, FRANCESCA aims to create an exclusive experience for its clients.
Made from the finest ingredients sourced from various corners of the globe, FRANCESCA chocolates are skillfully hand-made, fresh to order, in the oldest of Swiss chocolate-making traditions. Everything about the product, from the basic ingredients to the elegant packaging has been designed to appeal to discerning chocolate lovers who demand the best in quality and presentation.
Founder Ms Cornelia Maeder, who was born in chocolate-loving Switzerland, is enthusiastic about the success of FRANCESCA in Hong Kong, despite the global economic turmoil. "We love Hong Kong. We are delighted to be part of this wonderful community. The business environment is inspiring and offers incredible opportunities," said Ms Maeder.
In order to reach out to its target audience in the region, FRANCESCA has been working closely with luxury brands and spas, holding joint events, seminars and classes. Encouraged by the positive response, Ms Maeder has plans to open more boutiques in Hong Kong. Ms Maeder added, "In the near future we also plan to serve premium beverages that complement our hand-made chocolates to enrich the experience of clients visiting the FRANCESCA boutique."
"Hong Kong offers great opportunities especially for small and medium-sized businesses to launch a new brand. We choose to be based here in Hong Kong because it is the best strategic location from which to capture Asia's potentially huge market," said Ms Maeder.
Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, welcomes FRANCESCA to the city. "The opening of FRANCESCA in our city is an exciting illustration of the business opportunities in Hong Kong. We have long been known as one of the key gourmet capitals of Asia but to welcome a reputable chocolatier whose main business is to provide personalised chocolate gifting services is unique indeed," said Mr Galpin.
Mr Galpin continues, "The enthusiasm of Ms Maeder and the strong market response to FRANCESCA so far is testament to the opportunities the company came to Hong Kong to benefit from. We wish FRANCESCA every success, and we look forward to assisting its already anticipated future expansion in our city very soon."
About FRANCESCA
FRANCESCA was founded by Ms Cornelia Maeder, a Swiss chocolatier with nearly 20 years' experience in the luxury chocolate market. Made for customers who appreciate the finest things in life, FRANCESCA's delicacies are crafted using traditional Swiss chocolatier methods from quality ingredients sourced globally. The boutique, called the "World of Chocolate", is located at 9/C, Room 903, 5-8 Queen Victoria Street, Central. The boutique also offers connoisseur classes on appreciation of chocolate. For more information, please visit www.enrichyourpotential.com.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the award-winning department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting and facilitating inward investment into the city, by providing free services and support to help overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese companies establish or expand their business presence in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk
Ends/Friday, May 8, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:00
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