Sustainable use of natural resources is close to our hearts. We practice responsibility towards people and the environment every day and pass this on to the next generation as a company training apprentices.
This is how we implement a sustainable approach at Honold:
1. Grand Cru Chakra – our own couverture
Since the autumn of 2022, all our milk and dark chocolate products are made from Grand Cru Chakra Couverture. The cocoa is grown in the Amazon of Ecuador in harmony with nature by the indigenous Kichwa people. Since before 1000 B.C. the old method of cultivation has been practiced, growing cocoa with over 100 other plant species in Chakras (forest gardens). In Ibach Schwyz, the cocoa beans are processed into high-quality couvertures by our long-standing partner Max Felchlin AG. We refrain from using emulsifiers such as soya lecithin in our couverture. The sugar content has also been reduced and the milk chocolate contains only Swiss milk powder. The taste remains authentic without the addition of vanilla. Read the full story about the Grand Cru Chakra Couverture and the production process here.
For our white chocolate creations, we use the Grand Cru Dominicain Blanc 36%, which is certified with the organic label. The cocoa used for the cocoa butter is organically grown in the Dominican Republic. The milk powder as well as the sugar come from organic farming in Switzerland and Europe. This couverture is also produced by Max Felchlin AG. Learn more about the sustainability standards of our partner Max Felchlin AG.
2. Regional suppliers – sustainable partners
We only work with partners who adhere to our high sustainability standards, and we always try to source our ingredients from suppliers in the region. For example, our flour comes from the Lindmühle in Birmenstorf, Aargau and our dairy products from the Neff dairy in Wald, Zurich. From the neighbouring village of Herrliberg, we obtain meat from Feinkost Lehmann, the local butcher, and the eggs from Schlattgut farm, where the chickens are kept in a species-appropriate environment. We only offer Lokal Wasser 37, bottled water, in our branches, whose headquarters are 50 metres away from our founding branch at Rennweg.
Here you will find an overview of our suppliers.
3. Products for sustainable enjoyment
To us, sustainable enjoyment is not only defined by exquisite taste. Rather, it is distinguished by a seasonal assortment and resource-saving production processes. For example, our pâtissiers use the surplus sponge cake from the Black Forest, and the Truffes Cakes in the making of our Jubliée Pâtisserie amongst others. In addition, our bakers recycle unsold Parisettes bread from the branches to make breadcrumbs which can be used for a homemade Wienerschnitzel.
As a member of “United Against Waste”, we have made it our duty to use resources in a sustainable manner, and we put this into practice every day in our production.
The basis of our delicious products lies in the excellent quality of the ingredients used. We also strive to adapt our range to the season. For example, you will find Vermicelles products and Marrons Glacés in the autumn and winter, and strawberry creations from spring to summer.
5. Packaging
For our packaging, we have set ourselves the following three resolutions:
• We work with Swiss suppliers. We have a long-standing partner in the company PAWI, which manufactures our packaging from folding boxes for cakes to boxes for praline mades from FSC cardboard in Winterthur. PAWI, on ist behalf strives to adhere to being sustainable.
• We use sustainable materials wherever possible. Whenever possible, we use sustainable and recyclable materials. For example, we use cellophane foil made by Saropack, who work with myclimate. Here you can find the current climate protection confirmation.
• We use as little packaging material as possible. Our innovative chocolate bar packaging consists of a special cardboard which is thinly coated on the inside. This allows us to refrain from using aluminium foil, plastic wrap or additional packaging of the chocolate bar without affecting the shelf life or taste.
With this approach, we strive to fulfil our commitment to using natural resources as sustainably as possible and to reduce waste – so that future generations can also enjoy our high-quality products.
