Milk Chocolate - 5 Principles Used To Make A Country Famous As A Manufacturer Of This Sweet Treat

Candy means many things to people, but you might not associate it with a successful attitude. Switzerland, or rather some passionate entrepreneurs there centuries ago, were able to achieve fame for their country as a leader in the manufacturing of fine chocolates, even considering that they were late comers, compared to their neighboring countries. Not only did they leave behind the legacy of great taste that we enjoy today, but their five strategies for business success deserve a little recognition, as well.

Of course, they probably didn't recognize their attitudes and actions as examples of evergreen business practices that many of today's business owners instinctively adopt... and there's no evidence that they consciously recognized them as smart business practices at all... they just had the desire to make every single batch of their chocolate candy better than the last. According to research, their maxim was "Only the best quality is good enough".

Brand names like "Lindt", "Tobler", "Villars", and "Kohler" may just bring forth tempting images (or that sweet tooth urge), but what you may not realize, is that these are names of real people... the kind of people who started businesses - dealing with naysayers, government intervention, and most likely, a feeling of loneliness, at least until success became apparent. These men, and there are many others, as well, are some of the pioneer 'chocolatiers' of Switzerland. And this was during a time when the rest of Europe; Spain, Italy, and England, were known for their success in the manufacture of chocolate. Switzerland was the underdog seeking a come-from-behind victory in this industry. Against these odds, they won.

Through what are now recognized as common sense business practices, a passion for the chocolate candy industry, and unity of purpose (i.e. improving the quality of their chocolate) these pioneers brought fame to Switzerland, making it known throughout the world as the manufacturer of high quality chocolate, which is why you probably thought "Swiss Chocolate" as you read the question in the introductory paragraph above.

What were these five business practices employed by Swiss pioneers that ensured the recognition of Switzerland as a leader in chocolate candy manufacturing?

1. You could just say they "used their noggins" - or, that they "resourcefully utilized their inventive skills and technical genius"

2. They followed through with the creative visions in their minds and built the most efficient manufacturing machinery possible - then upgraded as technology evolved

3. They continuously refined their recipes with the goal to improve the quality of their products with attention to the elements of taste, texture, and appearance

4. They were willing to leave their home towns and their families in order to gain knowledge and low-paid work experience making chocolate - then they returned to Switzerland to put their knowledge and skills to work, forging joint venture partnerships that mutually benefitted all participants

5. They never forgot the needs and desires of their customers, placing customer satisfaction as their highest goal

It was the genius of these Swiss pioneers of chocolate that brought us the invention of milk chocolate, combining milk and sugar with the bitter cocoa; resulting in the pleasant taste we're privileged to enjoy today. "Conching" is another process that came from a Swiss chocolate manufacturer, as well as the addition of cocoa butter to chocolate candy recipes. This is what makes today's chocolate too irresistibly rich and creamy to stop at just one bite - except for those with 'super power' self discipline.

Some of these candy manufacturers learned their skills and techniques from other countries, as well. But, they all deserve to be memorialized for taking action and following through on what many probably told them would be unsuccessful.

More fascinating information about these early candy manufacturers can be found through a web search. which will provide many intriguing details. It may even move you to observe a 'moment of silence' in gratitude for those who came before us, giving us the variety of luscious sweet milk chocolate confections we enjoy today.

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