ANIS DE FLAVIGNY ‘BACK’ IN ZEIST AND THE NETHERLANDS | Newspaper De Kaap
The world famous aniseed candy Anis de Flavigny is back in Zeist and the Netherlands. In Zeist, the candy can be bought at the Kruidvat on Slotlaan, among other places. The famous France expert and Royalty specialist Anne Louis Cammenga talks about this in a conversation with reporter Maarten Bos.
“Why back in Zeist? Because in 1672 the French Louis XIV had ten days in Zeist with his army troops and most likely the aniseed, because the Anis de Flavigny was one of the most favorite sweets.
The history of the delicacy, now officially recognized as a French heritage, is impressive and rich. Anis de Flavigny is produced in the buildings of one of the oldest abbeys in France: the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Pierre from 719 is located in the village of Flavigny in Burgundy. Anise has been originally used in that abbey since 812 after a national decree by Charlemagne to use this type of religious building.
The candy actually originated from 1591. The stems of the anise plant form the basis of the delicacy. In the 17th century, Anis became more famous because Louis XIV, the Sun King, liked to snack on his “anisse”. The next famous user is the 7th Prince de Conde, member of the French royal family, who is a huge fan and received a whopping 38 pounds of Anis de Flavigny in 1700.
In 1763, the French King Louis XV concluded a peace treaty with King George III of England. The French give Anis de Flavigny as a gift of peace and the candy is now also known outside of France. During the French Revolution, the abbey was closed and the monks had to flee. But the production of the candy is secretly maintained by some villagers. In the 19th century, the process came above ground again and was tackled more energetically.
In 1896, the manufacturer Galimard bought the abbey and established a large new factory there. Jean Troubat takes over this company in 1923. He sells the candy in the candy vending machines at stations, subways, cinemas and department stores. Anis de Flavigny is now also traveling the world: from then on it is also sold in the rest of Europe, the US, Canada and the French colony of Algeria.
When Nicolas Troubat succeeds his father as a manufacturer in 1965, the annual production of the anise candy initially increased from 80 to 250 tons. It is now also available in emerging supermarkets. In 1990 the third generation enters the factory in the person of Nicolas’ daughter Catharina. Anis de Flavigny is then sold in garden centers, organic shops, airports and train stations. Production explodes.
The great recognition in the 90s with the award of several prizes. The award is yet to come. In 2016, the anise factory becomes Living Heritage Company, a pearl of France. The abbey where the production continues is very old and has been restored after several excavations. The village of Flavigny itself has 320 inhabitants and belongs to the prestigious “les plus beaux village de France”. It is interesting to mention that the village is after the Roman Flavinius. He fought here for Caesar in the Gallic war and as a reward he took ownership of the hill located here.”