Fifty kilograms of sweets a day. Can you imagine? That’s what Jan Van den Driessche managed in his small kitchen back in the 1930s. This is Suikerbakkerij Joris. Right here in front of us stands a testament to a family’s dedication. A legacy built on simple principles. Quality. Tradition. And the best ingredients.
Suikerbakkerij Joris isn’t just a candy factory. It’s a Brussels institution. Founded in 1938 it’s been delighting generations with its sweets. Originally started by Jan Van den Driessche with the support of his father Joris. The company’s name is a tribute to the founding father. The family has remained at the heart of this operation for nearly a century. Passing down time-honored recipes.
The Second World War brought challenges. Sugar and gelatin were the only ingredients readily available. The company adapted. They focused on producing gums a small part of their earlier assortment. This seemingly small shift proved to be a stroke of genius. Suikerbakkerij Joris is now the Belgian market leader in quality gums.
Their secret? Acacia gum. A beautiful natural ingredient incorporated into many recipes. Like the Belgas and Black Mice. Anise was also a key ingredient. Not just for its flavor but also for its medicinal properties. The company continues using traditional recipes. These have been passed down for generations.
One such recipe is their Brown Pector sweets. Created in the 1930s this organic elderberry syrup based treat was designed to soothe sore throats. They still use it today. This highlights their commitment to time-honored methods. And also to their commitment to quality ingredients.
From hand-made pralines and caramels to their famous gums. Suikerbakkerij Joris represents the best of Belgian confectionery. Their commitment to quality hasn’t waned. This small kitchen operation has grown into a leading sweets company. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity tradition and dedication can triumph. So next time you indulge in one of their sweets. Remember the story of Suikerbakkerij Joris. A Brussels sweet success story.