Belvas Organic & Fairtrade Chocolates

What we do: Belvas Organic & Fairtrade Chocolates is a family-owned Belgian chocolate manufacturer specializing in high-quality organic, fair trade, vegan, and Demeter-certified chocolates. The company produces a range of products including pralines, truffles, chocolate bars, and hot chocolate mixes. Belvas emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing by processing cocoa directly at the source in Ivory Coast and Peru, ensuring fair income for farmers and fostering strong partnerships with cocoa cooperatives. Their chocolates are made using traditional methods without preservatives, artificial colors, flavor enhancers, hydrogenated fats, or GMOs, catering to consumers seeking natural and responsible products in the food and consumer goods sectors.

Where we are located: The company is headquartered at Chem. du Fundus 7, 7822 Ath, Belgium, with operations including a cocoa processing facility near the farms in Ivory Coast to add local value and support farmers directly.

Short history: Founded in 2005 by Thierry Noesen, Belvas has grown as a pioneer in organic and fair trade chocolate production in Belgium. The name Belvas combines "Bel" for Belgium and "vas" symbolizing value added for the South. The company has been recognized as Europe’s greenest micro-business by the European Commission (EMAS award) and has received multiple sustainability and economic awards over the years.

Organization & culture: Belvas employs around 37 people and fosters a culture based on integrity, collaboration, and innovation. The company values direct involvement of cocoa farmers in governance, with farmer representatives sitting on the board to ensure equitable decision-making. Belvas is committed to producing chocolates that delight consumers while contributing positively to the environment and farming communities.

Recent developments: Belvas continues to innovate in sustainable chocolate production and has maintained the highest hygiene standards with A-level certification. The company’s Armayari Bean Pure Origin Dark Chocolate won the People-Forward NEXTY Award, highlighting its commitment to ethical and quality products. Investments in local processing facilities in Ivory Coast further demonstrate Belvas’ dedication to fair trade and sustainability.