Where it all started: Brussels
Year founded: 1857
Annual sales: NA
How much will it set you back? Get a half-pound ballotin for $40
Neuhauschocolate.com

John Neuhaus did not set out to become a luxury chocolatier when he opened up his pharmaceutical confectionary back in 1857; in fact, his first products of bitter chocolate and licorice were designed to alleviate painful symptoms, not to delight the senses. Soon the store began to offer the sweet pralines that can now be purchased in more than 2,000 sales outlets in 50 countries.