Hopje

Hopjes are a delightful Dutch confection combining the rich flavors of coffee and caramel, dating back to the 18th century. These sweets are named after Baron Hendrik Hop, who played an instrumental role in their creation. According to legend, Baron Hop, who resided above the confectioners Van Haaren & Nieuwerkerk in Brussels, was advised to stop drinking coffee. Reluctant to give up the taste he loved, he requested Theodorus van Haaren to create "lumps of coffee" for him. Van Haaren responded by crafting a sweet made from coffee, caramel, cream, and butter. This creation quickly gained popularity not only among local patrons but also attracted orders from abroad.

One of the distinguishing features of hopjes is their non-sticky, firm texture, which remains consistent over time. The Hague even boasted a museum dedicated to these sweets, called the "Museum voor het Haagsche Hopje" although it has since closed.

The popularity of hopjes led to some competition. J.P. Rademaker began producing his version of the sweets, marketing them as "the only real Haagsche Hopjes" and becoming the first to wrap them in printed paper. This sparked a protracted legal battle with Nieuwerkerk, which only concluded in 1989 when the Dutch Advertising Code Committee ruled against Rademaker's use of the term. Today, Rademaker’s hopjes bear the phrase "Alleen Echt Met Dit Merk" on their wrappers, signifying authenticity.

Since 1999, RBV Leaf, part of the CSM group, has owned the Rademaker brand, continuing the legacy of these cherished Dutch confections.