Annegret Jung has extensive experience making fine European-style chocolates and has operated her own chocolate shop - alongside husband Robert - for the past 20 years.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Annegret and Robert Jung are celebrating 20 years of operating their chocolate store Annegret’s Fine European Chocolates.
Started in Kelowna, Annegret’s first opened in Medicine Hat two years ago, when the Jungs moved to the city to be closer to their family.
“We opened up in 2020 and it was very successful,” said Robert. “Slower because of COVID, for sure, but it was a good start. It showed me people have an interest in high-end chocolate.”
A German and Italian-trained chocolatier, Annegret – along with Robert – aimed to create unique products, made from quality ingredients.
“We use only really the best ingredients available to make sure that we produce the healthiest product possible,” said Robert. “Of course, chocolate is not a health food product, but we avoid artificial sweeteners and flavourings, we avoid preservatives and we avoid trans fats.”
Many of the ingredients the Jungs use are imported from Europe, so to provide a more authentic European taste, with the remaining products sourced locally.
Robert estimates they produce and carry approximately 50 products at any given time, including limited-edition seasonal items and flavours.
In addition to chocolates, they also make a variety of hot drinks – like espresso, lattes and hot chocolate – in the winter, and low-fat, authentic Italian gelatos in the summer.
The Jungs want all people to be able to afford their products, and so they have products available for a wide range of prices.
The couple is proud of the following they have built in Medicine Hat. And, with no plans to move again, they hope to continue growing their customer base here.
“We want to make sure that people really enjoy the quality (of our products) and get treated with the highest respect and the best service we can offer,” Robert said. “We offer free samples. So, (we invite community members to) come in, try a chocolate of their choosing and find out whether they like it or not.”
Annegret’s is located at 101-1235 Southview Dr. Products can also be purchased online at annegretschocolates.com.
