Debauve & Gallais has taken its premium chocolates to Taiwan, opening its first store at Bellavita shopping mall in Taipei.

The 212 year-old high-end chocolatier has chosen Taiwan as its 16th international market due to the ripeness of opportunities in the market, the company says.

“Now is the right time because Taiwan is a mature market,” said Bernard Poussin, general director and the eighth-generation owner of Debauve & Gallais.

A second store is planned to open by May or June next year, its location as yet undecided.

The French brand will face competition from Godiva and Neuhaus of Belgium, Amedei of Italy and Valrhona of France all of which have a presence in Taiwan.

The chocolatier’ already has stores in the Asian countries China and Japan.

Founded in 1800, Debauve & Gallais is said to be the world’s oldest chocolate house.

GB