In 1982, Alain Vanden Eynden, his wife Danielle Lalous and their 2-year-old son arrived in the Eastern Townships from Belgium. Four years later, the artisan bakery “Panier à pain” was born, first in the Township of Orford and later on Main Street in Magog. In 2004, the couple sold the two bakeries and specialized in the production of fine chocolate, inspired by the art of Belgian chocolate, under the name Chocolats Vanden Eynden. Estriens and visitors love these chocolates and today, two shops bear the name of Vanden Eynden: the Fabrique, which is the production centre and, since March 2018, the Bar à chocolat located on Main Street in Magog. For Alain and his family, chocolate is a real passion. In fact, their son Nicolas has been lending a “chocolate-coated” hand to the family business for the past five years; this is truly a welcomed succession. Self-taught, Mr. Vanden Eynden does not miss an opportunity to experiment with more sophisticated techniques, to propose new flavours and chocolates with the most various shapes. Their beautiful miniature sculptures are suited to any occasion.

Mr. Vanden Eyden, who was very involved in the community, knew the reputation of the CAE Memphrémagog and finally knocked on their door during the expansion of the Fabrique. The CAE granted him a loan to purchase new equipment. He admits that he was delighted with the welcome he received. He specifically notes that “the advisors are professional and competent and it is clear that they want to provide all the help they can to ensure that our businesses develop in the best possible conditions.”