Afchain
In December 1889, the Cambrai Commercial Court handed down a judgment which established the legendary inscription on the window of AFCHAIN's house: "Bêtises de Cambrai". The origin of this name dates back to a candy-making error made by the young Grand'Père AFCHAIN, an apprentice confectioner at the time. Under the influence of his mother's anger, he named these failed candies "stupidity", but their unexpected success and their digestive and refreshing qualities quickly made them known and appreciated, thus giving rise to the famous "Bêtises de Cambrai".
Over the years, the manufacturing of Bêtises has evolved, moving from an artisanal method to modernized processes while preserving their traditional character. Raw materials, such as granulated sugar from the region and glucose syrup extracted from corn starch, are carefully selected for their quality and their contribution to the unique flavor of the candies.
The cooking, mixing and flavoring stages are now carried out using sophisticated equipment, while retaining the artisanal know-how that characterizes Bêtises de Cambrai. Once prepared, the sweet and fragrant dough is stretched, cut and packaged with impressive precision by modern machines, guaranteeing the freshness and quality of the final product.
Despite this modernization, the AFCHAIN company remains attached to its historical roots and the authenticity of its products. Les Bêtises de Cambrai continue to delight the taste buds of confectionery lovers, thus testifying to the lasting legacy left by Grand'Père AFCHAIN and his famous invention born from a simple "stupidity".
