HISTORY & VALUES

HISTORY

The history of Choco-Diffusion: A family adventure in gourmet food

The Choco-Diffusion adventure began in 1981, on the premises of a former family bakery in Le Locle. Driven by his passion for gourmet products, Jean-Willy Bihler founded the company with the aim of distributing chocolates, caramels and cookies. What began as a small business quickly evolved, thanks to solid partnerships and the creation of emblematic own brands such as SwissDream, Bibichoc, L’Atelier Grand-Mère and Swisschoc. The company is now led by Nicolas Bihler as Managing Director. The founder’s three other children, Carole, Christelle and Bastien, have all worked for the company and contributed to the Group’s development.

In 2015, the acquisition of La Semeuse, a coffee brand founded in 1900 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, marked a new stage in the CD Group’s diversification, strengthening its presence in the coffee sector.

Timeline

Discover the CD Group’s major milestones since its foundation:

1981

CHOCO-DIFFUSION FOUNDED

Distribution of the GOLDKENN brand on the Swiss market.
Imports of European products.

1992

CREATION OF THE DOUCEURS DES CIMES BRAND

Launch of the brand for the tourism sector

2000

PARTNERSHIP WITH PFISTER CHOCOLATIER SA

SALPA Group

2005

CREATION OF THE BIBICHOC BRAND

Relaunch of the children’s range

2010

ACQUISITION OF THE GOLDKENN BRAND

Office relocation from Geneva to Le Locle

2011

LAUNCH OF THE SWISSDREAM CHOCOLATE BRAND

Re-branding of the Douceurs des Cimes brand

2015

ACQUISITION OF CAFÉS LA SEMEUSE

Renowned roaster since 1900

VALUES

CD Group combines tradition and innovation to offer fine chocolates and exceptional coffees. We select quality ingredients and promote sustainable practices. The CD GROUP offers iconic brands that guarantee a unique taste experience.

Its concrete commitments, such as the promotion of organic/fairtrade coffees and collaboration with iconic Swiss brands, reflect its commitment to quality, ethics and the environment.

PROXIMITY

By establishing direct partnerships with local producers and working closely with our customers to meet their specific needs.

SUSTAINABILITY

By favoring eco-responsible materials, organic and Fairtrade certifications, and integrating innovative energy solutions into its infrastructures.

INNOVATION

By offering tailor-made products that meet the specific needs of our customers, while respecting our values of sustainability and quality.

“CD Group combines tradition and innovation to offer fine chocolates and exceptional coffees. We select quality ingredients and promote sustainable practices. The CD GROUP offers iconic brands that guarantee a unique taste experience. ”

Nicolas BihlerDirecteur général CD GROUP