Skip to content

My name is Jan, pronounced 'yawn' - like when you're tired or bored. That's not a great way to be remembered, but hey, it helps. As a child, I loved reading The Adventures of Tintin, sparking a lifelong curiosity for cultural exploration and adventure.

As I grew up and began travelling, I discovered that food and drink were more than sustenance; they were the ultimate gateway to experiencing the world.

I went on to write degrees in International Relations and Gastronomy. I studied as a wine sommelier, became a beer judge, pressed fresh olive oil, worked on dairy farms, and made a mission to visit the world’s best food stalls and farmers’ markets.

I also developed a love for telling stories about the foods I discovered. And for me, chocolate is the perfect story. It’s one that spans cultures, continents, and centuries. It's an everyday luxury enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

MILOU is my passion project, named after the loyal dog from Tintin. It embodies my quest for exploration and new experiences. Through Milou, I showcase the world's best chocolate bars, each one telling a unique story of taste, place, and people. These bars will satisfy your cravings, but they'll also ignite your appetite for more.

My values

CONNECTION

EXPERTISE

UNIQUENESS

EXPLORATION

Fairness

Connection

This project is a testament to the interconnectedness of our planet. It is a commitment to exploring the world's diverse array of products and places and creating connections between people from all corners of the globe. I hope to promote understanding and appreciation for different cultures.

Expertise

This business is built on the experience and expertise of everyone involved in the chocolate- making process, from the farmers stewarding their land, to the crafts people making the bars, to the artists designing the packaging. I aim to honor their excellence, and believe that valuing expertise is essential for society to progress, innovate, and address the challenges of the modern world.

Uniqueness

The world is a vast and varied place, and I aim to explore this diversity in all forms. I believe that each place, product, and person has something unique to offer, and I strive to highlight and celebrate these differences. I believe that embracing uniqueness makes our world a richer, more vibrant place.

Exploration

I am driven by a constant curiosity about the world around me. I am endlessly fascinated by geography, culture, food, farming, language, design, and more. This insatiable appetite for learning is what keeps my portfolio exciting and engaging. I am also committed to sharing my discoveries with customers in hopes of inspiring new appreciation and perspectives for the world around them.

Fairness

I believe in fairness and respect for all. This means equitable pay and appreciation for people at every step of the supply chain, reflective of their time, labour, and commitment. This means partnering with businesses that demonstrate ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious approaches. This means celebrating and fostering diversity and inclusivity.

Drawer Title
Similar Bars