Prestat - how chocolates fit for a Queen are finding a new audience

Prestat, chocolatier to HM The Queen, have taken the concept of a box of chocolates to a whole new level with the launch of a new Giant Jewel Box.

  The packaging was designed by the artist and designer Kitty Arden. Inside are Prestat’s bestselling chocolates – every one of which is handmade in Great Britain.

A jewel among chocolates - Prestat's
Jewel Box retails at £80

  The box’s weight adds to its presence and better still it contains more than enough of the finest milk, dark, white and praline chocolates and truffles to avoid the misfortune of someone eating your particular favourite before the box reaches you.

  Consumer knowledge of chocolate has followed that of wine and coffee. As well as being aware of different varieties and what is appropriate for which occasion, consumers want to know about provenance and ingredients.

 Prestat was opened in London in 1902 by descendants of Louis Dufour, the man who created the world’s first recorded chocolate truffle. Among the first fans of Prestat’s handmade chocolates were maharajas, sultans, presidents and stars of the stage and screen.

  Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was a particularly good customer, and in his autobiographical recipe book, Memories of Gypsy Corner, he wrote, “I also adore so-called truffles…as Prestat makes them.” 

  Prestat’s Mints and their Rose and Violet Crèmes were Her Majesty The Queen Mother’s favourite chocolates. Both The Queen Mother and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II granted the business a Royal Warrant and Prestat chocolates continue to be served at every major state banquet.

  Now the brand has been revitalised and modernist following its acquisition in 1998 by Bill Keeling and his half-brother, Nick Crean. Since then, Prestat has enjoyed one of the most exciting chapters in its history. Bill and Nick asked Kitty Arden, the renowned designer and illustrator, to create some fabulous new packaging and they also created many new chocolates. In 2011, Prestat began selling chocolates in the USA.