Coveted Japanese brand ROYCE' Chocolate makes decadent debut at Alderwood Mall

ROYCE' Chocolate, a coveted brand from Hokkaido, Japan, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The gourmet company is especially loved for its Nama (raw) chocolate, made using Hokkaido Cream, which has a higher fat content and makes the chocolate luxuriously soft and creamy.

There's great news for PNW fans wanting to get in on the decadence, too. On Nov. 1, ROYCE' opened its new location at the Alderwood Mall, where visitors can peruse seasonal products that are not available online, like gift sets and limited-edition products.

Business owner Terrence Chan has cherished memories of the brand from his childhood, "When I was a kid, my mother would frequently stop by the Japanese market and bring home ROYCE' Chocolate," he says. "Those sweet moments have left me with a lifetime of nostalgia for ROYCE' Chocolate, which has been a part of my life for four decades."

When Chan moved to the Seattle area, he observed a limited selection of premium chocolate options available in the Pacific Northwest. He said, "This got me thinking that introducing ROYCE' Chocolate to the PNW, particularly in Seattle, would be an excellent way to both share Japanese culture with the Greater Seattle community and provide a high-quality chocolate offering."

He explains, "So I contacted ROYCE' Chocolate, sharing my heartfelt story about my deep nostalgia and passion for their brand. I'm truly thankful that they've given me the opportunity to represent their brand in the Pacific Northwest area."

Chan says what makes ROYCE' stand out among chocolate makers is "its commitment to quality, creative flavors, exquisite texture and elegant presentation. These elements, combined with the brand's global reach and its ability to create lasting memories, make ROYCE' a beloved choice for chocolate aficionados."

In addition to Japanese craftsmanship that's anchored in precision and attention to detail, ROYCE' uses high-quality, specialty ingredients and offers innovative flavor combinations, like matcha (green tea), fruit-infused, and even potato chip-enhanced chocolates.

Chan admits that introducing ROYCE' Chocolate to the Pacific Northwest has its share of challenges. "All the chocolates are meticulously crafted in Hokkaido, Japan," he says, "and they are periodically shipped fresh directly from Japan. To maintain their quality, the chocolates must be stored in a temperature-controlled facility. Throughout every step of the process, our dedicated team members are trained to handle the chocolates with the utmost care, ensuring that they reach our customers in their finest condition."

And why do ROYCE' chocolates appeal here? Chan believes it's because the high-quality goods feature lower sweetness levels compared to other brands. "Thanks to our premium ingredients, we can avoid the use of excessive sugar and fillers to either hide or intensify the chocolate's flavor," he says. "This aspect is particularly attractive to those who appreciate top-tier chocolates."

He also says ROYCE' Chocolate is considered "wallet-friendly when compared to other luxury chocolate brands, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable daily indulgence in luxury."

If you know anyone with an affinity for sweet treats, ROYCE' Chocolate's holiday offerings may be just the crowd-pleaser you're looking for. And heck, we think they might just make a great gift to yourself, too.

Learn more about ROYCE' Chocolate here.

Corinne Whiting is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined. Follow more of her adventures here.