Swiss premium chocolatier Läderach is set to make its British Columbia debut with the opening of a boutique at CF Richmond Centre on Friday, September 19. The highly anticipated launch represents a key milestone for the brand as it continues its North American growth strategy.
The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a chocolate giveaway for the first 200 customers, offering a warm welcome to chocolate lovers in the region. The Richmond store is Läderach’s first in British Columbia and follows a successful expansion wave across Canada, including last month’s opening at CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto.
“We are delighted to expand our presence of premium Swiss chocolate to British Columbia in this iconic shopping destination and look forward to continuing to expand our presence in Canada with our new Bloor St. location later this year,” said Warren Dunkelberger, President of Läderach North America.
The opening at CF Richmond Centre is part of Läderach’s growing retail network across North America, which has accelerated since 2019. After launching its Canadian flagship at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, the brand rolled out locations at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Square One Shopping Centre, York Mills Centre, and Sherway Gardens, steadily building a presence in key Canadian markets.
Läderach’s North American expansion gained momentum after it acquired multiple leases vacated by Godiva following its exit from physical retail in 2021. This strategic move allowed the Swiss chocolatier to establish a footprint in prime shopping centres and introduce its “bean-to-bar-to-store” model, which emphasizes transparency and quality control from cocoa bean sourcing to final product.
A Distinctive Retail Experience
The new Richmond Centre boutique will showcase the full Läderach assortment within a bright, modern retail space designed to immerse customers in the world of Swiss chocolate. At the heart of the store is the brand’s iconic FrischSchoggi™ counter, where large slabs of fresh chocolate are displayed and broken to order by Läderach chocolatiers, allowing customers to select their favourite flavours and purchase by weight.
The shop will also offer pralines, truffles, single-origin tablet bars, seasonal assortments, and exclusive creations such as the bestselling milk chocolate Dubai. Each item is crafted in Switzerland using high-quality ingredients sourced directly from trusted suppliers.
Elevating Canada’s Premium Chocolate Market
Since its founding in 1962 in Ennenda, Switzerland, Läderach has earned an international reputation for excellence, operating more than 200 boutiques in 21 countries and maintaining a robust e-commerce platform.
The company employs over 2,500 people globally and prides itself on its commitment to freshness, artisanal skill, and Swiss heritage.
Its focus on freshness sets it apart in the premium chocolate market, with products made bean-to-bar in Switzerland and shipped directly to stores. This dedication to quality has positioned Läderach as a favourite among chocolate connoisseurs seeking an elevated experience.
Läderach’s global profile has risen significantly in recent years, thanks to high-profile openings such as its flagship store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue and its first location in Puerto Rico. In Canada, its expansion is strategic, with a focus on flagship shopping centres and urban retail hubs that attract a mix of local and tourist traffic.
The upcoming Bloor Street boutique in Toronto will further cement its position in Canada’s luxury retail landscape, joining a corridor that includes leading global brands and top-tier chocolatiers.
