From Cabourg to Dubai, chocolate shells made in Normandy seduce

Eric Rolland is on cloud nine. When he launched his Cabourg chocolate shells, he never imagined finding himself, four years later, with an imposing stand at the French Pavilion at the Universal Exhibition in Dubai. “I met the right people at the right time”, sums up the 65-year-old Norman, who made the trip to welcome the delegation of Hervé Morin, President of the Region, Wednesday November 24, 2021.

The story begins in mid-2017. Eric Rolland wants to “create a gourmet marker” for the town of Calvados. He is not “a confectionery pro” but has already matured his project to “arouse astonishment” at the time of tasting. With his artisan chocolate maker, Royale Normande, based in Épaignes (Eure), he develops his little gustatory jewels “molded on three real shells picked up in front of the Grand Hôtel de Cabourg”. Notes of fleur de sel, caramel or teurgoule titillate the palate.

Norman associates

Ivory, ocher and rust colored, the appearance of the chocolate shells is disturbing, similar to real shells. The packaging, very visual with reflections, was developed by a company from Orne. “Few people throw away the box,” appreciates Eric Rolland.

On December 15, 2017, the adventure was officially launched and, since then, demand has continued to grow. So much so that the creator, supported by his wife, Catherine, admits to “running after manufacturing. Currently, 90 kg of cockles are made every week”.

Quality and the network

But how do you go from a small boutique in Cabourg to the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates? The quality of the product, labeled Saveurs de Normandie, certainly. And also the network of those who have made their career in local authorities. The Cherrier group, its business partner, has experience of universal exhibitions. A fortnight to his credit. "Jean-Claude Cherrier obtained the call for tenders for the exhibitor space and we were auditioned", recalls Eric Rolland.

During the six months that the event lasts, a team ensures the sale of 250 kg of cockles in a space in the colors of Normandy. He does not intend to develop a business in Dubai but simply “to participate in this extraordinary showcase that is the France Pavilion and in the influence of the region”.

On the terrace of the tricolor space, his gaze turned towards the gigantism of the universal exhibition, Eric Rolland pinches himself again. The success story was written so quickly that he does not know what we could still wish for him.