Thanks
to customer praises… THE MEDIA HAS HAD A LOT TO SAY ABOUT US
….SOME NOTEWORTHY REVIEWS:
www.swissinfo.org
|
Front page: displayed during 3 months of summer (one of most popular websites in Switzerland) |
|
Small profile of Ingrid Läderach Steven with comments on Switzerland: One of the top addresses is owned by Ingrid Läderach-Steven, a woman from central Switzerland who has become somewhat of a Toronto institution. She sells "beautiful chocolates for beautiful people" from her shop, Swiss Master Chocolatier, in the upscale Bridle Path neighbourhood ..The Canadian media have published and broadcast numerous reports about the shop, often asking Läderach-Steven for sweet tips at Easter and Christmas .. But even though she has become a minor Canadian celebrity, the woman …remains Swiss at heart .. She moves in Toronto's Swiss circles, sponsoring events organised by the local Swiss club as well as taking part in their activities. However, she draws the line when it comes to exercising her right to vote in Switzerland .. "I love my homeland and as much as I am interested in what goes on there, I don't feel it is fair for me - after having been away for over 30 years - to contribute to what is happening in the country," Läderach-Steven says ..Her train of thought is interrupted time and again by people entering the tiny shop. She aims her seductive smile at the customers, gives advice, lovingly gift wraps small boxes of chocolate and concludes each sale as one would a friendship. It's her secret to success .. "There are some things I feel we should not have the right to anymore once we leave the country, [especially] when it comes to domestic issues," she adds. .. by Dale Bechtel
Another new episode coming out in July ... that will include personal life profile of Ingrid Läderach Steven
The Biography Channel
|
Changing Lives ......Entrepreneurs ..some of most successful in Canada |
|
broadcast thoughout June www.thebiographychannel.ca. A ten minute interview, life profile on Ingrid, about how she came to the U.S. to study voice, and how she ended up in Toronto, got married, had children, started a chocolate shop that is the best in Canada ..and her philosophy of running the shop and what made her such a great success ..and about "Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People" theme, etc.
KISS-FM
|
Swiss-Master Chocolatier promotion
|
|
CLICK HERE to hear promotion
Hello! Magazine
|
Mom’s the Word
|
|
writer Rebecca Eckler presented her new book .. best-looking group of people I’ve ever seen at a book launch ..included Canadian-Idol judge -- and celebrity favourite Ingrid Läderach Steven
Success Magazine
|
Chocolate Shop Defines Toronto in a "Beautiful People" Way
|
|
Just north of “The Bridle Path and Post Road” is a tiny boutique offering one of the nicest shopping experiences in Toronto. It prides itself on the words "Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People." Owner Ingrid Läderach Steven, though, explains her definition of Beautiful People is far deeper than outside beauty, and that she sees her shop as a place of comfort for those who have worked hard, succeeded, and now want to enjoy one of the niceties life has to offer. ..Ingrid also takes pride that her chocolates have become part of a “magical moment” and “healing process” for many, bringing emotional satisfaction – as well as playing an important part in courtships, and endless parties and celebrations .. Proof of success over 21 years includes deliveries to the Queen Mother, the Pope, our Prime Minster, the President of the United States, many Hollywood and world celebrities, sportspeople, and politicians -- even to the Space Shuttle Discovery for a preflight dinner .. And all this celebrity clientele has done much to continue define the shop in a “Beautiful People” way .. Ingrid says she gets lots of invites to celebrity-functions by way of customers, even three invitations to the Academy Awards ceremonies that included meeting stars backstage before the show, and at the famous Governor’s Ball after the show …. Ingrid is proud that her fresh cream truffles and pralines are the very same as in the best chocolate shops in Switzerland, which is not easy given that the product is extremely perishable. The chocolates are not “made special for export” she emphasizes, as is the case with many imports. Plus she prides in telling her customers that, “for a price of locally-made chocolate you can buy at her shop some of the very best the world has to offer!” ..Ingrid has several suppliers in Switzerland, but most of the chocolates come from the family-owned Läderach Chocolatier, that supplies much of Switzerland and some of the best shops around the world. Founder, Rud Läderach, invented the “truffle shell” that revolutionized truffle-making, taking it out of an expensive, very labour intensive process. She points out, though, that most of her truffles and pralines are still hand-finished individually … When you walk into Swiss-Master you feel as if you are in Switzerland. And the impression one gets is that it is a lot more than just a “chocolate business” as it provides emotional uplift and sensual escape. It is decorated in old-continental style that “romanticizes” the products and services. And yes, it does take straight aim at a rich-and-famous-and-fussy clientele, with quiet emphasis on excellence at every turn. Ingrid believes strongly that, “to be good is not enough, if one aspires to be great!” No doubt this is what separates her from competition .. “What keeps sales busy much of the year is the endless parties and gift-giving” .. But she adds that the very busy times start in November when corporations begin ordering. Then the rush does not stop until after Easter. What adds another dimension is the sizable wealthy Jewish, Chinese, Russian, and Muslim clientele who have their own celebrations … The shop carries some 65 different “fresh cream” truffles and pralines flown in from Switzerland. At times the shop is so busy that lines form outside, “all the way around the corner occasionally,” Ingrid laughs. You’ll sometimes even find famous celebrities waiting patiently in line, happily chatting with others. What also adds to the shopping experience is .. especially during the Toronto Film Festival, or when celebrities are in town or when there’s a big sports event. Singer Prince was a regular at the shop when he lived in Toronto. “He was an exceptionally gentle, warm person,” Ingrid says. “At first he would come with his body guard, but then felt comfortable enough to come alone” .. Ingrid also explains her shop is a pleasure for her that’s more than a business, and that over the years she’s watched kids grow up in her store, and gone to their birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, weddings, even funerals. As she puts it, “I’ve helped many celebrate their joys of life and shared in their sadness of life” .. From 1998 to 2003 Ingrid also had a successful Swiss-Master Chocolatier boutique in the heart of the financial district in Hong Kong, with visions of expanding into China. But as the economy there took a dip, followed by SARS, she and her partners closed it down .. One can’t help but notice she’s also a “hugging” person, and people continually come for a hug and words of encouragement, without need to buy. It is things like this that define her as the nice person she is, and that define the store and clientele in a “Beautiful People” way. This alluring warmth has made Ingrid the most popular chocolatier in town, and continues to bless Swiss-Master with endless media attention, including recent TV coverage in Europe. Even when the shop had a robbery, CTV-News sent a crew to report on the event live. And just recently celebrity cookbook writer, Rose Reisman, chose to have her magazine front-cover picture taken at Swiss-Master .. Ingrid explains her need to connect in beautiful ways with people comes from her heart, by way of how her parents ran their tourist shops in the Swiss Alps and San Remo, Italy .. She also explains that she likes to think of her shop as a fairytale boutique that sells “love and happiness” by way of what scientists tell us is a healthy-choice product, unlike many other “chocolates made with hydrogenated fats and a little bit of real chocolate” – what the industry calls “heart stoppers” and even “diarrhea chocolate.” It’s this “healthy-choice customer trust” in her chocolates that’s become very important to her success. Astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar said the chocolate she brought along for the night-before-flight dinner were not even tested, as the name “Swiss-Master Chocolatier” gave automatic trust .. One thing people look forward to is the shop’s pick for its own “Beautiful People of the Year” choice on its website, which gets almost a million “hits” a year. What’s especially heartwarming is the poem that comes with this theme, that reflect the outlook-on-life Ingrid seems to have, and it reads …. In 1999 Ingrid received a “Retailer of the Year” award in a black-tie event before some 600 guests. In her speech she had many women in tears as she thanked her “Swiss Master,” her husband .. The store celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2005, and there was a big party with tents and lots of samples and prizes, including a trip to Bermuda and a TagHeuer watch, and lots of people came to share in Ingrid’s celebration .. Ingrid looks to her husband, Tom, for support in the business. They are parents of daughters Jaclyn and Jasmin, and grandchildren Chloe and Connor. The daughters both worked many years at the store from the time they could stretch their necks around the showcase, and this is what has made it a family business. By: Suzanne Sharma
Treasures of Ontario
(hard-cover book)
|
"Swiss-Master Chocolatier"
|
|
Health studies show chocolate can bring on feelings similar to those when falling in love, especially sending females into emotional ecstasy. The very best chocolates can enhance that sensation .. like chocolate at Swiss-Master Chocolatier, located just up the street from Toronto’s ritzy The Bridle Path /Post Road area. Owner … has the chocolates flown in …. These fresh cream truffles and pralines burst in the mouth with exotic tastes and they are the very same as sold in the best boutiques in Switzerland and are not made special for export .. and they have a short shelf life …. The shop operates in the Old-Continental tradition of personalize service and the staff is warm and friendly with special patience for indecisive shoppers. The store’s slogan is “Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People” and refers to more than the “inherent beauty in chocolate-lovers or clientele” that includes many of the wealthiest, most famous and fashionable people in Toronto and throughout North America. Every year the boutique draws special attention to its “Beautiful People of the Year,” people whose beauty comes not from fashion but from humanitarian or life-saving work they perform. Normally the store has a leisurely pace, but holidays are hectic …. the line to buy can extend down the block … BOOK by Morgan Chase Publishing Inc.
TV Guide
|
Star Gazing ..complete guide to spotting celebs
|
|
..We attract celebrities when the film festival is on, when a show or performer is in town or when they are making a movie …. Prince used to drive up in a limo with his bodyguard, but now feels comfortable enough to drive up by himself or with his wife. Ingrid stresses she does not get ga-ga when someone important drops in ..and waits for them to start up a conversation. She described Jon Voigt as an exceptionally interesting and friendly person who picked up chocolates for the entire crew when he wrapped his last film. …by Stephanie Earp + Gred David
In The Spotlight
|
Historical Highlights
|
|
Swiss-Master Chocolatier: A chocolate lover's dream. This award-winning chocolate boutique just celebrated its 20th anniversary and is famous throughout Toronto for its exquisite chocolate and scrumptious truffles. The shop's slogan "Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People" reflects its friendly staff and attention to details.
Das Echo
|
Happiness with Quality
|
|
(translation) It has been 20 years that Swiss-Master was created at the corner of .. and for it not to be there is unthinkable. The owner .. has every reason to be happy in that on November 5th longstanding customers as well as "nosy" customers gathered to celebrate the anniversary. There were lots of beautiful prizes to be won … games for children, and most of all lots of sinful chocolates for tasting. These luscious delicacies –fresh cream truffles and pralines –are the same you can buy in the finest boutiques in Switzerland in that they come directly from .. the Läderach confiserie in Glarus in the Swiss alps .. by: Eva Wazda.
Town Crier
|
Still sweet after 20 years
|
|
About 20 years ago Ingrid Läderach-Steven decided to bring a little bit of Switzerland .. “If you have good quality, it will outweigh quantity ..she said her success is directly linked to what she feels is the most important aspect of running a small business – honesty.
As you’d expect from the Swiss, the quality at this 20-year-old outfit is extremely high ..from the best of that country’s chocolatiers. There are more than 60 truffles ..the dark chocolate truffle is rich and full flavoured, but not bitter or over-sweet. Full-sized chocolate Oscars are popular choice year-round; whimsical bunnies sell well at Easter. In the heat of summer the store’s live-culture frozen yogurt is a treat.
Bayview Post Magazine
|
Swiss-Master Chocolatier celebrating 20 years of sweet success
|
|
As the chocoholic’s best friend, owner Ingrid Steven Läderach (with Janine Mohebat and Kathy Hamilton) are extending an invitation to their customers to help celebrate the anniversary …
Bayview
Post Magazine
|
“ALL-TIME
FAVES!” The people, places and things that have ‘consistently’
made our Best of Bayview List
|
March
2005
|
BEST
TRUFFLES IN T.O. Our choice for the past 14 years. Their truffles are
displayed in a case like jewelry. Try their chocolate party pizza: it’s
full of fruit and nuts, and topped off with their signature truffles.
And it comes in a pizza box, of course.
Global
TV News
|
Global
Wellness Report . . inside Swiss-Master Chocolatier boutique
|
January
12, 2005
|
A
gift of chocolate on Valentine’s Day may give your sweetheart a
happy and healthy heart. Research shows chocolate contains antioxidants
that prevent cholesterol from sticking to artery walls. Chocolate also
contains flavanoids, the same compounds that give wine and tea their disease-preventing
benefits. The darker the chocolate the more antioxidants and favanoids
. . .by Dr. Ariel Dalfen
In
Magazine, Montreal
|
Toronto’s
Swiss-Master Chocolatier
|
Winter,
2004
|
Just
up the street from Toronto’s ritzy “The Bridle Path / Post
Road” area is a tiny boutique where Toronto’s “beautiful
people” have come to shop for chocolate for some 19 years. Owner
Ingrid Läderach Steven tells me what keeps her open much of the year
is the endless parties and gift giving. But the “really busy”
times, she says, start in November when corporations come to put in huge
orders. Then the rush does not stop until after Easter. What adds another
dimension is the sizable Jewish, Chinese, Russian, and Muslim clientele
who have all their own holidays and celebrations to also shop for. Ingrid
carries some 65 different “fresh cream” truffles and pralines
that are among the very best the world has to offer. She flies them in
from Switzerland . . At times it is so busy that lines form. For Valentine’s
it can be up to 30 feet outside. Often you’ll find famous celebrities
waiting patiently in line, happily chatting with others . . What really
impressed me was how Ingrid even supplied for the space shuttle SST-42
DISCOVERY “night-before shuttle flight” dinner. What also
adds to the shopping experience is the many Mercedes, BMWs and Hummers
in the parking lot . . .and at times stretched limos with celebrities
from the Canadian Film Institute down the street .. by Simone Cloutier
(French and English)
Toronto
Star
|
‘Twas
the day before Christmas
|
December
24, 2004
|
.
. You’re a fool if you haven’t considered: Box of chocolate.
Just go a little bit more toward the high end . . Swiss-Master . . .by
Garnet Fraser
The
French Side of Toronto
|
Swiss-Master
Chocolatier
|
October
2004
|
Swiss-Master
chocolates are imported directly from the Swiss Alps . . One of the signature
pieces . . available only during the summer months . . these delicate
“white chocolate and fruit truffles” come in orange, strawberry,
lime, lemon, and passion fruits . .and simply must be tasted to be believed.
. . Be sure to try the rum and raisin, the Grand Marnier. . crème
fraise and liqueur. Swiss-Master makes gift-giving simple. Those who traditionally
say it with flowers can now say it with chocolate. . and for children
a delightful selection of chocolaty insect-shaped critters, including
lady bugs and bees.
Bayview
Post. . .and other Post Magazines
|
Couple
Values Children . . and Makes Sweet Treats |
October
2004
|
(This
is a follow up on October 1998 “How They Met” article, see
below, which describes how “singing talent” brought Ingrid
to the U.S. and then Canada) . . . Ingrid and Tom have lived in the Bayview
area for 30 years. They have two daughters, Jasmin, a graduate of University
of Western Ontario, is married and has a two-year-old son named Connor.
Their other daughter, Jaclyn, works as a teacher and has recently gotten
engaged. Jasmin and Jaclyn did follow the showbiz route for a while, as
between them they made 120 TV commercials in Canada and the U.S. Ingrid
and Tom, who worked as a computer consultant, started in the sweets business
some 25 years ago wholesaling throughout North America. Ingrid, who has
a family history of chocolate masters, opened her York Mills Plaza boutique
in 1985 with Marilyn Lastman. She soon bought her out, and hasn’t
looked back. The shop will soon be celebrating its 20th, and there will
be lots of things happening in the months to come. Stay tuned. Ingrid
says that the best thing abut her job is that she gets to meet the nicest
people from all walks of life . . . by Ron Johnson
Bayview
Post Magazine
|
“ALL-TIME
FAVES!” The people, places and things that have ‘consistently’
made our Best of Bayview List
|
March
2004
|
BEST
CHOCOLATE ON THE PLANET: Swiss-Master Chocolatier…Whimsical truffles,
double-dipped strawberries, and even the chocolate pizzas are so diving
you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven. . .
Toronto
Star
|
Rita
on the Oscars
|
February
29, 2004
|
We’ll
be hunkered down at our primary workstation at The Star tonight watching
the Oscars with our best and bitchiest pals. . . That lovely woman from
Swiss-Master Chocolatier has sent us a box of bon bons again this year,
complete with an anatomically correct chocolate Oscar. Can't decide which
part to eat first. . .Rita Zekas.
Bayview City Magazine, The Village Post, The North Toronto Post,
The Thornhill Post, The Rishmond Hill Post, and the North York
Post
|
"Toronto’s
Top Tastes" contest
|
February
2004 |
The
ultimate chocolates for true romance…Master of Chocolate a huge
success…Wow! Swiss-Master had our tasters blushing with pleasure.
Outstanding combination, perfect and fresh…You would be hard pressed
to find a better chocolate anywhere!
Toronto
Life
|
A
guide to Toronto’s Best
|
2004 |
If
you’ve ever been to Basel in Switzerland, you’ve probably
come across leckerli, the intriguingly chewy biscuits that have been made
there for 600 years. Made with nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and honey, they
find a persuasive champion in Swiss-Master’s owner, Ingrid Läderach
Steven, who uses them at home in everything from cheesecake to gravy.
More conventional practice, she tells me, is to break off a little piece
and dissolve it slowly in the mouth, letting all those flavours emerge.
A delicious sideline, but chocolate is the main event—rich, finely
milled Swiss chocolate . . .from Switzerland. Six new truffles are promised
this winter, and if they’re as good as the kirsch-café introduced
last summer I hope I find them in my stocking. Special treats also appear
for Jewish holidays, such as calvados truffles shaped like apples, and
honey ones like honeycombs for Rosh Hashanah. Chocolate “pizzas”
are a year-round pleasure, but one must wait for summer to taste the awesome
frozen yogurt that is the store sideline.
Toronto
Star
|
Star
Gazing
|
December
7, 2003 |
"PRINCE
(singer). . .we do know he has a sweet tooth. He's been seen at Swiss-Master
Chocolatier on Bayview Ave, near his Bridal Path digs. . ." Rita
Zekas
"CLICK"
TO HEAR The New Country 95.3FM Radio . . . talking about Swiss-Master
|
December
2003 |
Toronto
Sun
|
Eat,
drink & be OSCAR…Roll out the red carpet for your guests
|
March
22, 2003
|
“Make
your guests feel as if they are the main attraction by giving them a chocolate
Oscar from Swiss-master Chocolatier. The munchable mini-statuette has
a Florentine base and is sprinkled with a gold glitter confection…I
am seeing more Oscar parties than ever, says Ingrid Läderach Steven…It’s
a bit of escapism during these uncertain times…It’s also reflected
by an increase in sales of our ‘I Love You” truffles since the
Sept 11 tragedy. . .” Vena Eaton, Lifestyle Editor
Toronto
Star
|
And
the chocolate Oscar goes to. . .
|
March
19, 2003
|
For
those of us who have no hope of winning an Oscar, let’s just eat one.
. .Americans are calling, saying they’ve searched everywhere and can
only fined these treats in. . .Oscar parties are more popular than ever.
. .if perhaps this is an escapism from the seriousness of these days. .
.” Jennifer Bain, Food Editor
Bayview
Post Magazine
|
"Holiday
sales on retailer wish lists"
|
December
2002
|
“…local
retailers wonder what December will bring…Ingrid Laederach Steven…said
December is supposed to be one of her busiest times. But…Steven is
reluctant to make that prediction...I hear stories about more stores closing
and more companies closing. It seems to be a global situation…rather
than spending on expensive gifts, they go to something that will satisfy
them…”When things get rough, people turn to chocolate for Instant
gratification. . .Julie Greco
Toronto
Life
|
"Where
to find the best. . ."
|
2003
Edition
|
If
you've ever been to Basel in Switzerland, you've probably come across
"leckerli," the intriguingly chewy biscuits that have been made
there for 600 years. . .Ingrid. . .uses them at home in everything from
cheesecake to gravy. . .special treats also appear for Jewish holidays,
such as calvados truffles shaped like apples, and honey one like honeycombs
for Rosh Hashanah. . .
Bayview
Post Magazine
|
"Best
Truffles in Toronto"
|
July
2002
|
HONOUR
AWARDED 11 YEARS IN A ROW to:
Swiss-Master Chocolatier.... try the champagne. They're the editor's favourite.
Toronto
Star
|
Most
Popular Chocolatier
|
February
13, 2002
|
"...she
is not in the chocolate business, rather she is in the magic moment business,
providing magical moments of delight and sensual escape...the best and
sweetest lady...always feel right at home......It's motto, "Beautiful
Chocolate for Beautiful People" shines through in the service and
packaging they offer, no matter who's buying or how much they're spending..."
Jennifer Bain, Food Editor
yoursourceCandianLifestyle
|
PURE
LUXURY: Dipped in chocolate
|
Holiday
2001
|
...Swiss-Master...has
truffles in every flavour...every shape from telephones to computers and
soccer balls to buzzing bees..The staff customize each order to the client's
specifications..even create gift packages for holidays like Rosh Hashanah,
and Chinese New Year...But the lure of Swiss-Master is as much in the wisdom
and warmth of its owner as the purity and goodness of its chocolate...Making
a difference is key to Laederach-Steven's philosophy "We've got to
interact with our fellow human being much more than ever before,"
she says,..."I want to show that the business has a heart, that we've
got to think with our heart, not just our pocket book."...and many
customers consider Laederach-Steven to be a friend. "I try to give
a little bit of warmth with everything that we do, and hopefully that
will spread." ...Kathy Barthel
TorontoLife
|
Eating
& Drinking Guide...directory of Toronto's best...
|
2002
|
Ingrid
Läderach Steven...flies them to Toronto, where they pause very briefly
in the store before fanatical customers pounce. There are always seasonal
flavours to try (chestnut and maple for fall, passion fruit and lime for
summer) and such amusing shapes as chocolate bees and golf balls, plus
the famous Party Pizzas...exceptional frozen yogurt blended with plums
or pears, and there is a website...to consult above having orders filled
from Swiss-Master's sister store in Hong Kong...
| Deutsche
Presse |
It’s
“to live for” and not “to die for” since 9-11
|
December 26 2001
|
Since
the horrible September 11 terror-attacks the words “to die for”
have taken on a morbid suicidal meaning, robbing us of their silly innocence
in everyday conversation....It’s therefore refreshing to see Ingrid
Läderach Steven of Swiss-Master Chocolatier going all out in promoting
her luscious fresh cream chocolate truffles as being simply “to live
for.” ...
| www.vineSwinger.com |
Wine
& Food // Chocolate”
the Chocolate Adventurer column” |
October
2001 |
If
ever a woman was born into chocolate, it was Ingrid Läderach Steven.
. . Unquestionably, her business is well-suited to her personality. Ingrid
is very much a “people” person, and she loves the fact that
people feel good when they’re in her store. . .While Ingrid herself
tends toward more traditional chocolate items, she knows her customers
demand products that are new and different. One such item is a computer
truffle. . . But looks aren’t everything here, and I am partial to
the pieces with complex natures, which contain several different tastes
and textures, all in harmony with one another. That is a very European
characteristic in a chocolate, and I don’t see enough of it in the
U.S.. . . Ingrid appreciates that chocolate is a comfort food for many
people, and she knows that comfort foods are an acceptable part of one’s
diet if consumed in moderation.
| Bayview
Post Magazine |
"Best
Chocolates this side of Switzerland" |
July 2001
|
HONOUR
AWARDED 10 YEARS IN A ROW to:
Swiss-Master Chocolatier.... owner Ingrid Läderach
Steven produces the best truffles in Toronto, bar none...
www.globalgourmet.com
(U.S.A) |
(Global
Gourmet on AOL)...Mother's Day and Graduation...Chocolate Find of
the Month |
May
2001
|
I
protest! This month's Chocolate Find, Swiss-Master Chocolatier of
Toronto, Canada, has a most unfair website. It isn't enough that the homepage
hits you with a paragraph about their fresh cream truffles; the company
has to go further and include appealing photos of their boutique and some
of their products. Even the descriptions are enough to make me want to
hop a flight northward...Better still, check out their rather glamorous
website at...but don't say I didn't warn you!..."Beautiful Chocolates
for Beautiful People" is the slogan here, and I can at least vouch
for the truthfulness of the first part of that motto!...If you're going
to be in Toronto or Hong Kong, consider stopping by their
boutiques...Stephanie Zonis (see: www.globalgourmet.com/food/ilc)
REVIEW
Business Magazine
|
Cyberwar
survival tips from a “Mom and Pop” retail shop
….by Tom
Steven, Swiss-Master Chocolatier |
March
2001
|
(How
a ... chocolate boutique ... gets 1,000-to-2,000 webpage requests a
day.) . . .With all the hype about e-commerce there is lots of pressure
for small businesses, especially retailers, to join the bandwagon. Yet
selling online is one of the toughest businesses in the world. . . Based
on our retail experience, our message for small businesses is. . . Our
biggest benefit from the web comes from three areas. . . We are currently
analyzing the pros and cons of going to a full-blown e-commerce system.
. . Experimenting with search engines shows. . . Some simple tricks
that improved our hits. . .
| Toronto
Business Times |
Millennium
Achievements |
Jan.
2001
|
"...when
asked for her secret, Läderach-Steven answered: 'There is no overall simple
answer, or magic formula. Just offer great chocolate and great service,
all at a fair price, and watch the magic click in, especially with an
upscale clientele…It’s that simple… and yet it’s that difficult!' "
| Bayview
Post Magazine |
Best
of Gourmet Food... |
August
2000
|
"BEST
CHOCOLATES" 9 YEARS IN A ROW: Swiss-Master
Chocolatier....
| www.starchefs.com
(U.S.A.) |
For
Chocolate Lovers Only. . .with Stephanie Zonis |
June
2000
|
"Chocolate
Recommendation of the Month" .
. . June’s Chocolate Find is Swiss-Master-Chocolatier, with boutiques in
Toronto and Hong Kong. . .
| Deutsche
Presse |
Tiny
boutique delivers to...Toronto's Rich & Famous |
Dec.20,
2000
|
"...Their
web site...is currently running a $2,000 (in chocolate) 'GUESS THE OSCAR
WINNERS' contest."
| Bayview
Post |
Chocolateur
Values Children the Most |
October
1998
|
What better
way to salute in our 'How They Met' column than to get the story
of the purveyor of Bayview's sweetest treasures . . .Before she was even
a teen, Ingrid was whisked from her home in the Swiss
Alps by Dr. Antonia Brico, a legendary musician, conductor, and philanthropist...This
is the same Dr. Brico that singer Judy Collins documented in the 1974 Oscar-nominated
movie Antonia: A Portrait of a Woman. . Brico was so taken with Ingrid's
singing talents that she convinced her parents that "Ingrid's talents belonged
to the world"...Ingrid moved to reside with Dr. Brico in Denver...But
because of exhaustive two years of training sessions Ingrid fell very ill,
and her vocal chords were severely damaged. Her recuperation led to a visit
to Toronto... where she met Tom (now her husband)...Starting a family wasn't
easy though, a fact Ingrid attributes to stress in her early music life...this
is why she has such a love for life and why children really feel her warm
welcome... opened boutique in 1985 with Marilyn Lastman. She
soon bought her out, and hasn't looked back.
(See "page 3 of Photo Library" webpage for picture of Ingrid
with Dr. Brico)
| Asian
Wall Street Journal |
Sarah
Tilton and Joanne Lee-Young |
| Truffles:
The Latest Addition to This City’s Sophisticated Palette |
October
1998
|
…Now,
though, you can get just about any kind of truffle your little heart desires
– imported from Switzerland – but you may have to line up for it…people
come in and are quite disappointed because…only a small selection left…The
city’s growing affection for truffles…goes hand-in-hand with the burgeoning
demand for vintage wines, gourmet coffee and Cuban cigars…the
moment you swallow a truffle...you can tell if you’ve been gypped…When
I first started eating truffles, I didn’t know how to differentiate between
them, probably didn’t even know I was eating a truffle…Now I know how to
compare them for creaminess, texture, bitterness.
| Honk
Kong Standard |
Chocolates
with a sweet Swiss secret |
October
29,1998
|
…
Ingrid Läderach Steven…her warm optimistic personality is extended to the
slogan of her shop: "Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People" Bernice
Chan
| Toronto
Life |
Food
Guide |
November
2000
|
…
There are always seasonal flavours to try (chestnut and maple for fall)
and such amusing shapes as chocolate bees and golf balls, plus the famous
party pizzas … made with nuts and fruit, studded with truffles and other
goodies.. exceptional frozen yogurt blended with plums or pears, etc…orders
(can be) filled from Swiss-Master sister store in Hong Kong…
| Postmagazine |
nosh
nosh nosh |
November
8, 1998
|
This
has been a week of chocolate highs. A new chocolate shop, Swiss-Master Chocolatier,
opened in Central…Supplier
Rud Laederach revolutionised the truffle-making industry in the 1960s when
he injected the filling into an empty chocolate case, then sealed it with
a chocolate cap…"You’re chomping," scolded Ingrid. "Let the chocolate go
all round your mouth and enjoy and think of the pleasurable experience you
had"…I swore I wouldn’t chomp…it’s worth mastering the art. Nell
Nelson
| B
International |
Say
it With Chocolate |
January
1999
|
…
In town for the shop opening was Ingrid Laederach Steven…Our slogan is "Beautiful
Chocolates for Beautiful People." Beautiful people radiate from within and
so do our chocolates…
| Bayview
Post |
No
Trick, Just Treats…Grand Prize Winner |
October
29,1998
|
… if
you’re going to indulge, why not indulge in the best?
| Tatler
Magazine (Hong Kong) |
"Sweet
Secrets Waiting to be Discovered" |
January
2000
|
Right
in the heart of Central…discreetly tucked away, Swiss-Master Chocolatier…offers
a visual feast to everyone who discovers its sweet secret…Specializing in
small, perfectly formed "fresh cream truffles"…the absolute quality of Swiss-Master
is guaranteed.
| Eve
Magazine (Hong Kong) |
"Sweet
Something" |
February
2000
|
If
you’re feeling guilty about going for that chocolate, think again.
Research indicates that chocolate eaten in moderation
can reduce flood clots and apparently lessen the risk of heart disease and
strokes. Chocolate lovers Keith & Angela Law,
the husband-wife duo behind Swiss-Master Chocolatier…Our chocolates tend
to be less sweet, and the fresh cream truffles … For
diabetics who love chocolates, Swiss-Master Chocolatier also sells diabetic
chocolates containing diabetic friendly sweeteners such as lacitol and asartame.
| Beautiful
International |
"The
Wedding Guide Book" (Hong Kong) |
May
2000
|
…
Swiss-Master Chocolatier’s rich mouth-watering chocolates made with a variety
|
Tuesday,
April 18th, 2000
