Chocolates Around the World – What Makes Ours So Special

Here at Ballantynes Chocolates, we’re proud to call North Yorkshire home – but our shelves tell a story that spans the globe. Step into our Bedale shop and you’ll find more than just local favourites (though we’ve got plenty of those too!). You’ll also discover a handpicked collection of chocolates and sweets from around the world – each chosen for its quality, character, and irresistible flavour.

From the marzipan masters of Germany to liquorice legends in Finland, we’ve scoured Europe (and beyond) to bring you the best of the best. Here’s a little tour of what you’ll find – and what makes it so very Ballantynes.

A Taste of Belgium – The Heart of Fine Chocolate

When it comes to classic luxury, Belgian chocolate is the gold standard – and it’s no surprise that it takes pride of place in our counter. Known for its smooth texture, rich flavour, and beautiful craftsmanship, Belgian chocolate is all about indulgence. We stock a wide variety, from melt-in-the-mouth truffles to crunchy nut clusters and silky fruit creams.

But what makes our Belgian range even more special? It sits alongside chocolates made by Derek right here in the shop. Derek’s handmade creations are crafted with the same attention to quality and detail – often inspired by traditional recipes but given a personal twist. Whether it’s a boozy centre, a zing of citrus, or a comforting nostalgic flavour, his chocolates are all about joy, personality, and pure deliciousness.

German Marzipan & Italian Fruit Jellies – Europe’s Sweetest Traditions

Marzipan might not be to everyone’s taste – but those who love it, really love it. We source ours from Lübeck, Germany, where they’ve been making premium marzipan for centuries. Soft, rich, and fragrant with almonds, it’s a classic treat that adds elegance to any gift box.

If fruity sweets are more your style, don’t miss our Italian fruit jellies – beautifully soft, naturally flavoured, and bursting with vibrant taste. These aren’t your everyday jelly sweets. They’re crafted with real fruit and finished with a delicate sugar coating, making them a lovely grown-up alternative to chocolate.

They’re especially popular around Christmas and Easter, but we always try to keep them in stock for those who’ve discovered how good they really are!

The World of Liquorice – Finnish Soft & Dutch Delights

Liquorice has a bit of a cult following – and we’re totally here for it. Whether you’re into sweet, salty, soft or strong, we’ve got something for you. Our Finnish soft liquorice is one of our most popular imports, known for its smooth, chewy texture and mellow flavour. It’s a far cry from the sticky black strands of childhood – this is liquorice all grown up.

We also stock Klepper & Klepper liquorice from the Netherlands – a brand known for quality and simplicity. Their famous “Best Liquorice Ever” comes in a range of styles and strengths, perfect for real enthusiasts.

If you’re new to liquorice or not sure where to start, we’re always happy to offer a little taster. It’s one of those flavours that surprises people – in the best way!

Turkish Delight & Global Goodies with Local Love

No world tour of sweets would be complete without a mention of Turkish delight – and ours is the real thing. Lightly dusted with icing sugar and flavoured with rose, lemon, pomegranate and more, it’s a soft, delicate treat that feels like a gift from the past.

And while we love bringing flavours from afar, we also love giving them a local twist. You’ll often find our international chocolates and sweets paired with Yorkshire fudge, Brymor ice cream or Sawley Kitchen bakes – a delicious reminder that sometimes the best treats are just around the corner.

At Ballantynes, our aim is to combine the best of both worlds – the timeless, high-quality traditions of Europe’s finest confectioners with the warm, personal service of a family-run Yorkshire shop.

Why It All Works – The Ballantynes Difference

So, what makes our selection so special? It’s not just where it comes from – it’s how we bring it all together.

• We taste everything – and only choose what we’d be proud to gift (or nibble ourselves).
• We mix local and international – giving you the best variety, without the overwhelm.
• We offer proper service – friendly help, gift wrapping, tastings and good conversation.
  We know our customers – and we stock what they actually want.

We’re not a huge chain or a faceless website – we’re a real shop, run by real people, with real chocolate. And whether you pop in for a treat or place an order from afar, we’ll always go the extra mile to make your experience a sweet one.

Ready to explore the world of chocolate – without leaving Yorkshire? Pop in, have a browse, and take ?