Description
Liège violet sweets are the most popular sweet made by the Gicopa confectionery: a hard-boiled sweet shaped like a little five-petal flower, with a delicate, floral violet flavour. Naturally coloured and sold in a 100 g bag, to share or keep for yourself.
Gicopa Liège violet sweets: the iconic sweet of Liège
On its website, Gicopa (gicopa.be) presents « La Vraie Violette de Liège® » as the most popular of all its sweets. Its delicate scent and pretty mauve colour have made it a classic of Liège sweet jars, and it even flavours the LièGin Violette gin today.
Gicopa, a Liège confectioner since 1895
It all began in 1895 in the heart of Liège, in Mr Gillard’s workshop: boiled sugar sweets, biscuits and gingerbread. The name Gicopa actually comes from « GIllard COnfiserie & PAin d’épices ». Now based in Sprimont, the small confectioner focuses entirely on hard-boiled sweets, made the traditional way from boiled sugar and coloured only with natural colourings from fruit, vegetables and plants.
The violet, a symbol of Liège
In Liège the violet is more than a sweet: in the Middle Ages, « la Violette » was the nickname of the town hall on the Place du Marché. No wonder the Liège violet became one of the treats most closely tied to the city, just like Liège syrup or peket. Giving a bag of Liège violet sweets means giving a little piece of Liège.
Ingredients and nutrition
Ingredients
Sugar, glucose syrup, acid (citric acid), flavourings, concentrates (spirulina, apple, carrot, hibiscus).
If you have an allergy, always check the list on the packaging.
How to enjoy Liège violet sweets
- Let one melt slowly with a coffee or tea.
- In a sweet bowl, to introduce your guests to a Liège speciality.
- In a gift hamper of products from the Liège region, with our Liège syrup.
- As a garnish for a LièGin Violette gin and tonic.
Storage
Keep the bag in a dry place, away from humidity and heat. Close it tightly after opening so the sweets stay dry and crunchy. These hard sweets are not suitable for children under 3.
The full Gicopa range
Chez Popol sells Gicopa sweets in 100 g and 1 kg bags: Liège violet sweets 100 g, Liège violet sweets 1 kg, sour cherries 100 g and sour cherries 1 kg. Pair them with our Belgian lards and cuberdons for a selection of Belgian sweets.
Tip: Gicopa sweets also make a lovely little gift for anyone who has left Liège and misses their grandmother’s sweet jar. Add a card and your parcel from the Liège region is ready.
Frequently asked questions
Are Gicopa sweets vegan?
According to Gicopa, the confectioner uses no gelatine and all its sweets are vegan and free from allergens, made with Belgian beet sugar. That means almost everyone can enjoy them with peace of mind. If you have an allergy, always check the label on the packaging anyway.
What are Liège violet sweets?
A hard-boiled sweet in the shape of a flower with a violet flavour, created by the Gicopa confectionery in Liège. Gicopa calls it its most popular sweet.
Where can I buy Liège violet sweets?
Our shop, Chez Popol, is in Petit-Rechain near Verviers, about twenty minutes from Liège: you can collect your order there free of charge. We also deliver to Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.
Is there a larger size?
Yes, Gicopa Liège violet sweets also come in a 1 kg bag, ideal for a sweet jar or a party.
Order your Liège violet sweets from Chez Popol
Delivery is free from €80 incl. VAT to Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. You can also collect your order from our shop in Petit-Rechain, Rue de Battice 53.
