CHIPS OF CHOICE: Royce’s sweet and salty Potatochip Chocolate
CHOCOHOLICS’ DELIGHT: Royce’s signature chocolate nibbles
WONDER BAR: Every sweet tooth’s dream come true
Love at First NibbLe There’s a reason why Royce’ Chocolate, a premium chocolate brand from Sapporo, Japan, is called the “Rolls Royce of Chocolates.” It is decadent and melt-in-your-mouth creamy that chocolate-loving Filipinos ecstatically adore. Thanks to Royce’ Philippines owner Cecile Ang, choco fans need not go all the way to Japan to get this kind of chocolate fix. Royce’ Philippines general manager Crystal Rebucas happily shares some yummy morsels. On the beginnings of Royce’ Philippines: Cecile and I have been friends since college and she’s the one who introduced me to Royce’. When I’m abroad, I would buy a lot to last me until my next trip. I’d also ask friends who travel to buy for me. It’s Cecile’s passion and love for the brand that pushed her to bring Royce’ to the Philippines. She really believes in how good it is and she wants to share it with others. On the Filipinos’ chocolate choices: Most Filipinos gravitate toward the milk chocolate variant primarily because it has the kind of sweetness we like. Filipino men tend to prefer dark chocolate, while kids like white chocolate-flavored products. On Royce’s bestsellers and personal favorites: Our customers like the Royce’ Potato Chips and our signature product, the Nama. The Potato Chips’ salty and sweet combination is the formula for its popularity. The Nama is really something special – it has a fine, delicate combination of selected chocolate and fresh cream milk that melts in your mouth.
I love nuts and I will have to pick the Nutty Bar, Amande Chocolat, and Macadamia Chocolate. I can finish our Royce’ Chocolate Bar in one sitting! On the Japanese’s “Midas Touch” when it comes to business excellence: The Japanese have a high regard for anything that they do, in every aspect, down to the tiniest detail. That’s the key to their success. We take our job at Royce’ seriously. It’s all about giving clients excellent customer service and premium chocolates at an affordable price. On a dream premium chocolate product: It would be great to feature local ingredients in future Royce’ products. We always share with them how great ube (purple yam) is or some other local ingredient. I hope this will be realized eventually.
IN THE NAME OF… Royce’ was named after company president Yasuhiro Yamazaki. When reversed, his first name spells “Rohisuya,” or “Rohizuya.” “Ya” in English means “confect.” Thus, “Rohizu Confect.” When spelled (and pronounced) in English, it becomes “Royce’ Confect,” which was then shortened into “Royce’s” and eventually clipped to Royce’.
On the qualities of a “great chocolate”: If it tastes good, it’s halfway to being great already! But now with a lot of chocolate brands claiming to have good taste, you have to go beyond that and factor in ingredients, quality, originality, price and customer service. On Royce’ Philippines’ future plans: We already have seven shops in Manila and we have plans to open up more here and in the provinces. For now, however, we will focus on giving the best chocolate experience to our customers. n
CHOCO HAVEN: From its first branch at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City, Royce’ Philippines now has branches in Greenbelt 5, Makati City; Trinoma and Eastwood Mall in Quezon City; The Podium in Pasig City; Cake Club in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City; and at the Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City. www.philippineairlines.com I 71