Artisan du chocolat Avis 61

The box looks amazing, until the print rips when removing the plastic seals. Upon opening I see a layer of practically uniform and uninteresting chocolates that look nothing like the pictures. The chocolates taste pretty much the same. The worst “luxury” chocolates that I have encountered.

Be aware that if you buy anything from this company in they’re clearance sale, it has a VERY short expiry date… I made this mistake and a few weeks later the chocolates were way past their use by date and unfortunately I hadn’t checked.
I did of course try them, not good so had to throw them away.

What’s gone wrong at Artisan du Chocolat?

It was always such an indulgent treat for me and those who were treated, but I fear corners are cut and cheaper ingredients are used. Spent over £150 at Christmas on presents and Christmas treats, not many choices in the couture box, lots of duplicates, mostly I didn’t know what flavour I was eating as the flavours was muted but not delicate, so most seemed very similar (I’m not using the word tasted as they didn’t taste of very much). Pearls were claggy not smooth as they use to be. All in all a disappointing and expensive experience, such a shame when I remember that they really were amongst the very best chocolate you could buy in London.

What has happened to Artisan du Chocolat? Some years ago I regularly purchased for gifts, Christmas etc. This year I ordered a large and medium box for Christmas gifts. The box is very pretty, but both boxes of chocolates had a bloom on them, so hadn't been stored appropriately. Both boxes had only a few variations of flavours and most were dark chocolate, whereas the "menu" showed lots of different flavours. The chocolates were small, thin and very inferior to what they used to be. A mistake I won't make again. Rather sad.

Purchased multiple items in the 50% off sale and nowhere did it state everything had a short shelf life (early/mid January 2025).
I've ordered from this company 10+ times and never really had issues with the salted caramel range; however, the pistachio pearls I purchased were then given as a gift, and I was advised they were inedible. The variety pearls packs I purchased 2 of for myself and the family, and they were dry, loose in the packaging and definitely not worth the sale price. So disappointed to the point where I wont be purchasing from this company again. A complete waste of £65.

Was given these as a gift and they are genuinely vile. They tasted like wet hay and how rabbit food smells.

Ordered Emerald Pistachio Pearls - sale price but still expensive. Many pearls misshapen and cracked. Looked part melted - maybe stored at incorrect temperature? They don’t taste that great either. Am glad they weren’t bought as a present. Shame - used to make fabulous chocolates in times past. Definitely won’t be ordering from Artisan du Chocolat again.

I ordered a 48 piece Great Expectations selection box to create an advent calendar for my partner. It contains 24 flavours and they sounded incredible.

When I received the box and started putting them in the calendar, I realised I had lots of duplicates instead of 2 of each flavour. Turns out, I only received 11 of the advertised flavours and missing the other 13.

I’ve sent 2 website enquiries, 3 emails and have tried the phone line multiple times, but it’s just a Vodafone messaging service. The HQ line rings out. I haven’t had a single response which is very frustrating.

I purchased truffles on offer at buy two get one free. They are Christmas gifts that I guess were left over from last Christmas as the use by date is early January 2025. So I suppose that is why they are on offer.
No response from customer services.

It seems that A du C has gone seriously downhill in recent years, perhaps due to the Godiva takeover(?). I have foolishly continued to place orders with them during this period and have had various issues with the majority of these orders, from damaged goods to being sent the wrong products. It is impossible to reach anyone on their customer services team either by phone (always straight to voicemail - which has been diverted to a mobile number!) or by email/contact form on their website. They just do not get back to you, ever. After two weeks of trying I eventually called their accounts line today and finally managed to speak to an accountant who, to be fair, was unexpectedly helpful! Up until this point I was beginning to wonder whether they had ceased trading. I used to consider this brand the height of luxury but they are no longer the sophisticated, understated brand they used to be - and the quality of the chocolate appears to have deteriorated, too. As a formerly loyal customer, I am sorry to say that I will never purchase from Artisan du Chocolat again.

I recently ordered and received: Emerald Pistachio Chocolate Pearls® 50pc x 1. When I went to open it, it had a rattle and the sellotape was unstuck. Inside the pearls were everywhere and one was crushed. Not great as a gift. I accept these things happen. The real problem is I have followed up with the company via, email, the website, by phone and social media. This is since Saturday and today is Tuesday. Never had a problem before but not happy with the lack of response.

I’d give less if I could. Ordered chocolates on next day delivery over a week ago which have not yet been dispatched, and I’ve submitted 2 enquiries by email and tried phoning multiple times and I’ve heard nothing back. I’m not even sure if the company is still trading? Anyway I’m basically waiting to issue a chargeback as the event I needed the chocolate for has passed.

Prompt reply to my query from Michael West in customer services and I was kept informed of delivery which only took two days. The parcel was well packaged and chocolate had a very good quality being very smooth. Unusually shaped egg and good choice of accompanying chocolates. Recipients also commentated that chocolate was far superior to other brands. I will be buying from this company again next Easter.

I bought a number of eggs as Easter gifts for friends and family, and have received glowing feedback from all on how beautifully presented and delicious they are.

I also spoke with Michael West for help with my order, and his customer service is phenomenal.

Customer for life right here!

Outstanding customer service, thanks so much. I couldn't recommend more highly. The chocolates are absolutely delicious

Deliciously different chocolates nicely packed and great service. Lovely and special gift

Real chocolate - tastes so much better. Nice gift ideas. Just a real treat. Quick delivery too.

I have been buying chocolates from Artisan du chocolat for the last three years. The service is excellent and the chocolates are spectacular.

I have recently bought a "The Voyage Out" collection and wonder whether the recipe has changed from equivalent collections that I have bought in previous years. The chocolates are still beautiful but they seem less rich. Is it just me?

The chocolates arrived, packed exceptionally well and in excellent condition. Can't yet say how good they tasted as they are a Christmas present, but here's hoping I manage to scoff one or two, as I have experience of Artisan du Chocolat products, and they are absolutely delicious!

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Artisan du Chocolat at least as far as my wife is concerned. I’ve been buying these chocolates specifically salted caramels for many years and trust me they can’t be beaten.