It all began in 2015, during a trip to Italy, a land of traditions and flavors. It was there that Benoît, fascinated by the hazelnut landscapes and the art of their transformation, had an ambitious idea: to reinvent the hazelnut industry in Belgium.
Back at his family farm in Sart-Saint-Laurent, in the province of Namur, Benoît turned this inspiration into a project. In 2019, he gathered a passionate team, starting with Pierre-Olivier Bonhomme, an expert in forest management and arboriculture, who immediately embraced the challenge. Mélanie, Benoît’s wife, quickly joined the adventure, sharing his passion for hazelnuts and Belgian chocolate.
A Rich Learning Experience
For many years, the trio has explored the subtleties of hazelnut cultivation across Europe and Latin America: travels to France, Italy, Switzerland, and even Chile have refined their knowledge. This rich learning experience laid the foundation for their unique expertise in Belgium.
The Roots of Our Project
In 2020, the first hazelnuts were planted on 20 hectares of family land, which Benoît had been cultivating for six generations. The first hectare was planted as a test, followed by the addition of 19 more hectares the next year. This gradual approach allowed them to perfect every aspect of cultivation, from pruning techniques to soil management.
Since these initial plantings, our project has expanded. Today, we collaborate with local farmers, allowing us to reach 150 hectares of hazelnut orchards planted in Belgium. This growth reflects our commitment to building a local, sustainable, and high-quality supply chain, while celebrating Belgian terroir and supporting regional agriculture.
Why Agronuts?
We are passionate. Passionate about chocolate, agronomy, industry, and also about our Belgian heritage. Our approach is not just about business: it’s a family story, a generational journey, and a love for a terroir that we want to cherish at every step.
