Pioneers in the Art of Handmade Chocolate
Welcome to THE KANDOS SHOP, where premium handmade chocolates and exceptional customer service come together. With over three decades of history, we are delighted to be a part of the Kandos brand. We proudly continue the tradition of excellence that late Mr. Upali Wijewardene established, reflecting his vision and our deep-rooted connection to Sri Lanka’s business heritage.
Mr. Upali Wijewardene, a pioneering Sri Lankan entrepreneur, founded the Upali Group, a conglomerate that included influential ventures such as Unic, Upali Air, Upali Mazda, Upali Newspapers, and notably, Ceylon Chocolates Ltd.
since
1990
The history of Ceylon Chocolates Ltd dates back to early 1962, with its birthplace in Kandy. The company was established with the primary objective of producing chocolates. After considering factors favorable for chocolate manufacturing, such as climate and the supply of raw materials, Ceylon Chocolates Ltd decided to open three factories in Kundasale. The production of chocolates commenced in 1965.
To determine the brand name, management invited suggestions from the public through a press advertisement and various other means. Finally, it was decided to form the brand name by combining the first letters of the first names of the Board members:
“KAN” from Kandy, the origin of the company.
“DO” from the first name of the Managing Director, Dodwill.
“S” being the first letter of the Chairman’s name, Sarath Wijesinghe.
Thus, the brand name “KANDOS” was born, revolutionizing the chocolate market in the South Asian region. Under the Ceylon Chocolates Ltd umbrella, sub-brands such as Delta and Newgen also flourished.
In 1990, THE KANDOS SHOP brand emerged, marking a new chapter in our chocolate journey. Our handmade chocolates include a delightful array of flavors and styles, from classic varieties to innovative blends, ensuring a rich and memorable experience for every chocolate lover. Our inaugural outlet opened on Thurstan Road, soon followed by locations in Liberty Plaza and Nugegoda. From the start, we offered a variety of chocolate-coated products and handcrafted chocolates, including strawberry and coffee-flavored varieties. Additionally, we introduced Kanvita drink to our lineup, providing our customers with a delicious beverage option from the very beginning.
In 2009, we expanded our product line with a new range of handmade chocolates, which were crafted and introduced at our Thurstan Road outlet. By 2014, as we expanded and opened new shops, we relocated to a specialized factory in Homagama. This upgrade allowed us to refine our chocolate-making techniques and explore new methods and flavors. . The upgraded facility increased our production capacity while maintaining high-quality standards. Following the establishment of the Homagama factory, we embarked on an ambitious expansion plan, opening new outlets across the island. Our journey of growth includes the opening of shops in Kundasale, Aluthgama, Kadawatha, Matara, Kalutara, Moratuwa, Colombo 07, Kotahena, Colombo Fort, Kalubowila, Pannipitiya, Thalahena, Yakkala, Kiribathgoda, Kurunegala, Kandy, and Malabe. Today, with 20 outlets across Sri Lanka and a dedicated team of over 100 staff members, we continue to uphold our legacy of excellence and innovation, bringing the joy of chocolate to communities far and wide.
At THE KANDOS SHOP, we believe that the experience of enjoying chocolate begins the moment you step into one of our outlets. Our outlets are meticulously designed to create an inviting and luxurious atmosphere, with layouts tailored to enhance the customer journey. Our layouts include Full Retail, Retail and Dining, Lounge, and Full Scale with a live station experience, each designed to cater to different customer needs and preferences.
The interior of our outlets is where the magic of THE KANDOS SHOP comes to life. The counter area, considered the heart of our stores, is designed to provide an engaging and immersive experience. This area includes cashier stations, product displays showcasing our wide range of handmade and slab chocolates, invoicing areas, and the diligent work of our staff. The counter area is a stage where our chocolates take center stage, allowing customers to explore and interact with our products in a meaningful way.
Our outlets also offer a variety of seating options in the dining section, including standard seating, cozy couches for gatherings, a bar setup for a casual experience, and outdoor dining for those who enjoy an al fresco setting. Each seating arrangement is curated to ensure that every visit to THE KANDOS SHOP is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Behind the scenes, our outlets are equipped with dedicated spaces for backend activities, including storage, kitchens, pantries, and backend production units, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our stores.
The selection of interior elements at THE KANDOS SHOP is a careful process, guided by our commitment to creating spaces that resonate with our brand’s identity and customer expectations. The interior design of each shop is meticulously planned, considering the customer base and the unique characteristics of the location, such as our outlets in Kandy and Colombo 07.
Sustainability is key in our interior design choices. We select furniture that meets our comfort and functionality requirements while being environmentally responsible. Our materials and designs are both aesthetically pleasing and durable, ensuring our shops remain inviting and comfortable.
The exteriors are designed to make a lasting impression, inviting customers into a world of luxury and indulgence. Each shop’s facade reflects the premium nature of our products, with sleek lines and elegant finishes. The exterior design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding environment, creating a smooth transition from the outside world into the chocolate-filled atmosphere within.
Branding is integral to our exterior design, with strategically placed signage proudly displaying THE KANDOS SHOP logo, symbolizing our commitment to quality. Our branding visuals, including the original chocolate logo, production visuals, consumption visuals and after consumption visuals, are thoughtfully incorporated into both interior and exterior spaces, creating a cohesive brand identity.
To enhance the overall experience, our outlets offer facilities like parking, Wi-Fi, audio and video systems, PEO TV, and air conditioning, ensuring our customers enjoy not just our chocolates but the ambiance and comfort of our shops.
At THE KANDOS SHOP, our handmade chocolates are crafted with the utmost care by professional and well-experienced chocolatiers. These skilled artisans focus on every step of the chocolate-making process, ensuring each piece is made with precision and passion. This meticulous approach ensures a rich and decadent taste that sets our products apart from others in the market. THE KANDOS SHOP is the pioneer in the industry, consistently introducing new and exciting creations for chocolate enthusiasts.
The heart of our success lies in our deep love for chocolate and our unwavering commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for every customer. Whether you are a long-time chocolate lover or new to the world of artisanal sweets, visiting one of our Kandos shops promises to be a memorable experience. Our chocolatiers’ commitment and care in making handcrafted chocolates ensure that each visit offers something unique and delightful.
Thank you for joining us on this journey and allowing us to share our passion for chocolates with you. We look forward to continuing to bring you exceptional experiences and expanding the chocolate experience across the island. With each new outlet and product, we aim to deepen our connection with chocolate lovers and create more cherished memories for years to come.
