Italian chocolatier debuts third Philippine store with signature chocolates and a Chocogelateria concept in Pasay
“You don’t need to finish the entire chocolate,” says our host during the opening of Venchi—their third branch—at SM Mall of Asia last Thursday, April 30.
There was a chocolate tasting portion during the event, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity. We tried six pieces of the best expressions of the brand’s chocolate: Granblend Venezuela Milk, Cremino Pistachio, Gianduiotto Ricetta Originale, Chocoviar 75%, Milk Hazelnut Ingot, and Dark Pearl. Of course, being the sweet tooth that I am since childhood, and to the chagrin of my dentist, I finished all six pieces nonetheless. All were excellent. My favorites are still the Cremino Pistachio, velvety and indulgent, and the Granblend Venezuela Milk, creamy and easy to pop into the mouth. I only complained to the host that the chocolates needed some form of wine or bubbly pairing. That would have been excellent.
The store opening also highlighted a new flavor of gelato. Venchi is well known for its frozen treats, and the ube flavor—now a hot item internationally—takes a distinctly local turn. I tried it and pronounced it excellent to the Venchi team. The ube flavor is subtle, the gelato creamy, with bits of ube for texture. Just don’t combine the new ube flavor with a stronger gelato. My mistake was having the staff pair it with stracciatella. The stronger flavor overpowered the ube at first. It is best ordered on its own.
TASTING BOARD A selection of Venchi chocolates is presented during the tasting: Granblend Venezuela Milk, Cremino Pistachio, Gianduiotto Ricetta Originale, Chocoviar 75%, Milk Hazelnut Ingot, and Dark Pearl. (Photo: Feliciano Rodriguez III/)
The new store, described as a Chocogelateria, brings together the brand’s chocolates and gelato under one concept, allowing customers to move between confections and frozen treats. Founded in 1878, Venchi continues to draw from more than a century of Italian chocolate-making tradition, using carefully sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques. Its range remains grounded on signature creations such as Chocoviar, known for its micropearls and layered textures, Cremino with its soft gianduja filling, and the classic Gianduiotto made with Piedmont hazelnuts.
The ube gelato, launched on May 1, is a Philippine-exclusive flavor, a nod to local taste while staying within the brand’s Italian framework. It reflects an effort to adapt to the market without losing its identity.
Timed for the season, the opening also introduces a selection of chocolate gift items positioned for Mother’s Day. Among them is the Murrine Hamper, a round box filled with assorted chocolates, and the Murrine Pencil Case, a more casual option packed with Cremino and Granblend pieces. Other offerings include the Murrine Flower Orange Two Trays, which features an assortment of Chocoviar flavors, and a metal tin with a curated mix of the brand’s best-known chocolates, from nougatine to its signature ingots.
The third Venchi branch is located on the second floor of SM Mall of Asia, near Zara, the new store sits within one of the mall’s main retail corridors.