The return of Zellers Chocolates aims to reshape Sri Lanka’s premium chocolate market while reviving cherished memories from the past. Zellers stands as a pioneer in local craftsmanship and innovation, as fine chocolates have become a beloved indulgence and synonymous with amazing moments. Now, the brand aims to bring Sri Lankans world-class chocolates with a local twist, paying homage to the fond memories of time-honoured generations, while helping a whole new generation create their own.
As Sri Lanka’s first homegrown chocolate manufacturer, founded in 1964 by A.G. Hinniappuhami – the visionary Founding Chairman of Maliban – Zellers has a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans. Known for its use of premium cocoa and its commitment to the ‘bean-to-bar’ concept, Zellers created chocolates that were not only rich in flavour but also in heritage, and it is this very tradition that the brand aims to revive with a range of new offerings.
Aiming to appeal to both the nostalgia of the Zellers experience and the new tastes and ideals of the younger generation, Zellers is unveiling a reinvigorated portfolio of premium chocolates. This new range promises a delectable array of flavours, combining classic favourites with bold new innovations. Sourcing the finest cocoa from Ghana, Zellers guarantees the highest quality, ensuring that each chocolate offers a luxurious and indulgent experience. The core range includes beloved varieties like Milk Chocolate, Cashewnut Chocolate, Fruit & Nut Chocolate, and the ever-popular Crispies. With each bite, chocolate lovers can savour the perfect balance of rich Ghanaian cocoa and creamy milk, for a smooth, velvety, and utterly irresistible taste.
Taking things to a new level of chocolatey goodness, Zellers is also introducing several exciting novel products that are a first for the Sri Lankan market. Among these is the much-anticipated Zellers Chocolate with sugar coated choco buttons, which blends premium milk chocolate with vibrant, colourful sugar coated choco buttons, offering an irresistible combination of smooth richness and playful crunch. Designed to captivate younger consumers, this unique addition is set to bring an element of fun and excitement to the Zellers range, making it a standout offering in the local chocolate landscape.
Zellers is launching an enticing collection of chocolates featuring creamy fillings at their centre. These indulgent treats are made with the finest ingredients and come in a range of luxurious flavours, such as nut mix cream [pistachio, almond, hazelnut nut], cookie crumble, coconut, and strawberry. Each centre-filled chocolate is crafted to perfection, ensuring a rich, authentic flavour experience with every bite. The delicate balance of creamy fillings and decadent milk chocolate promises to delight even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs.
Commenting on the return of Zellers Chocolates, Kumudika Fernando – Chairperson of the Maliban Group said, “As the granddaughter of Mr. Hinniappuhamy, the founder of Zellers, I am incredibly proud to launch this iconic chocolate brand under the Maliban Biscuit Group. For decades, Maliban has been a beloved part of Sri Lanka’s Biscut culture. We are excited to rekindle that nostalgia with a modern twist, appealing to both loyal fans and a new generation of Zellers enthusiasts. This new range reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and creating memorable moments for our consumers. Zellers is ready to make a lasting impression on chocolate lovers across the country, blending the richness of tradition with the excitement of new possibilities.”
Commenting on the reintroduction of Zellers Chocolates, Mr. Ravi Jayawardene, Group CEO of the Maliban Group, stated, “Chocolate is a rapidly evolving segment in Sri Lanka, and at the heart of the Maliban brand is our unwavering commitment to quality, which has been passed down through generations. With the launch of Zellers chocolates, we are proud to extend this legacy of excellence to our new range, ensuring that Zellers embodies the same high standards that our consumers have come to expect from Maliban.”
Appealing to a modern audience, Zellers has also introduced vibrant new packaging designed to appeal to younger generations. With bold, playful designs and a contemporary aesthetic, the packaging style reflects the dynamic nature of the brand’s new offerings. This attention to detail, both in the product and its presentation, highlights Zellers’ dedication to creating a new standard for premium chocolate experiences in Sri Lanka.
Overview of Maliban Group of Company
As a subsidiary of Maliban, Zellers benefits from being part of a heritage brand that has been synonymous with quality and excellence for over 70 years, and is now enjoyed in over 50 countries. Maliban’s legacy as the largest manufacturer and exporter of biscuits and confectioneries in Sri Lanka is built on its commitment to the highest standards of production, which have earned it several prestigious accolades, including the Sri Lanka National Quality Award and ISO 22000 certification for food safety.
