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Two Belgian icons in one place
Discover the beautiful V-CHOCOLATIER by Sweertvaegher Store in Kortrijk. In 2017, Valérie Sweertvaegher joined the family business and took on the renovation of the authentic store building. Now, she and her husband lead the company, ready for the future with a smart combination of tradition and innovation.
"As an architect, I worked in the humanitarian sector," says Valérie. "I was responsible for temporary hospitals and other facilities after events like earthquakes or floods. It was an immensely challenging and rewarding job, but one that often kept me away from home." After 10 years, she wanted to stay closer to home. What started as occasionally helping out in the family business quickly became a full-time endeavor. "The renovation of the store in 2019 was a great start to unleash my creativity in the world of chocolate instead of construction. In 2022, my husband, a graphic designer, also joined the business, and now we run it together."
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A successful result, which has also earned them several design awards! This was followed by the renovation of the store in Bruges, where the same design approach was applied. You can now also find a few Kewlox cabinets at the couple's home:
"I consider myself a true fan. With the different options in color, size, etc., you can unleash your creativity and really create something that fits the space perfectly."
Craftsmanship, authenticity, and taste remain paramount in the chocolaterie, even with the fresh wind of the new team. That doesn't mean nothing changes; on the contrary: "We are now fully focused on finding retailers to distribute our artisanal products outside our own stores. We recently rebranded the Galetjes, one of our best-known products. You can now find us in delis, patisseries, and other retailers across the country!"
This quality is recognized: for eight years in a row, they have been listed in the Gault&Millau guide of the best chocolatiers in the country. No small feat in a chocolate-loving nation like Belgium! With pride, they also carry the Handmade in Belgium label, a beautiful recognition for the entire team.
Valérie Verougstraete
V-Chocolatier by Sweertvaegher, Kortrijk
The renovation became a beautiful project, with an interior that makes the products shine while being very practical. The star? Kewlox throughout the entire store!
"I visited every edition of the Interieur design fair in Kortrijk and came across Kewlox, a brand that felt natural to me. The simplicity and modern look of the system would perfectly contrast with the authentic elements of the building and our brand. It seemed like a great combination. The fact that we are both Belgian companies with a history is a nice extra detail."
The various possibilities of the furniture also convinced Valérie: "The building is long and narrow, and I wanted to make the floor a real eye-catcher. So, I needed a system that could be wall-mounted, preserving the view and space of the interior. Together with the sellers, we reviewed the options and put together a beautiful set of furniture."
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