Former Global President and CEO of Godiva, Mohamed Elsakry has acquired Artisan du Chocolat.
Since its humble beginnings in 1999 in Borough Market in London, Artisan du Chocolat has celebrated inventiveness, in keeping with the flair of its founder Anne Weyns to deliver extraordinary chocolates that break the mould. Artisan’s chocolates are British-made from its own production atelier in Ashford, Kent, which has been kept busy throughout COVID-19. The business employs nearly 80 staff in England. Artisan uses fine flavour cocoa beans, which have been sourced sustainably, mostly from farmers in South America. It has retail stores in London in Chelsea (Lower Sloane Street), Selfridge’s and Borough Market and online where it ships worldwide. The company also provides private-label chocolates to the top fine food retailers in the UK.
Restaurateur Gordon Ramsay was its first customer and has since dubbed it “the Bentley of chocolate”. Michel Roux Jnr of Le Gavroche was an immediate convert and described Artisan as “the leading light in the world of modern chocolate”. Iconic Artisan products, created for gifting and self-treats, include the monogrammed trunk Voyage du Chocolat, No 1 Salted Caramels, Pearls, and new to the range, the extraordinary Pyramide de Chocolats.
Founder Anne Weyns, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mohamed Elsarky to Artisan. Mohamed not only shares my passion for fine chocolate in spades, but importantly brings an unparalleled global experience in branded and private label chocolates and the track record of transforming businesses and developing scale, while preserving quality. Under Mohamed’s leadership as Chairman, we will accelerate Artisan’s sweet journey to bring smiles and pleasure to many more people, which is very much needed these days.”
Elsarky commented: “Acquiring a brand during a global pandemic was always going to be a challenge, but I was determined to invest in this unique business. I believe wholeheartedly in Artisan’s potential. Artisan du Chocolat is an absolute gem – it has all the ingredients for a fantastic business recipe: creativity, uncompromising quality and dedication to its craft. With Anne Weyns’ relentless determination, the company has already transformed from a start-up to a renowned luxury chocolatier with tremendous growth opportunity. I feel privileged to join Anne and her team to realise the ambitions which the business deserves.”
