On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Japanese convenience store chain “FamilyMart” announced some surprising news. A total of 7 new products supervised by “Pierre Marcolini,” the world-renowned chocolatier and purveyor to the Belgian Royal Household, will be released.
The lineup includes desserts, baked goods, bread, and ice cream. This marks the first time in the brand’s history that the luxury brand Pierre Marcolini has collaborated with a convenience store. This project, realized in the commemorative year of the brand’s 25th anniversary in Japan, can be called a historic event that pushes the level of Japanese “Konbini Sweets” (Convenience Store Sweets) even higher.
“Works of Art” by a World-Class Artisan in a Familiar Place
“Pierre Marcolini” is known as a pioneer of “Bean to Bar,” handling everything in-house from the selection of cacao beans to roasting. That uncompromising quality has captivated chocolate fans around the world. Now, that prestigious taste will be available for purchase at FamilyMart stores across Japan, and at affordable prices.
Regarding this collaboration, Mr. Pierre Marcolini himself sent a message saying, “I want to deliver exciting sweets with gratitude to everyone in Japan.” Traditional craftsmanship has fused with the product development power of Japanese convenience stores. We will introduce these 7 new products, which possess a flavor rivaling specialty stores, along with the background of Japanese food culture.
Melt-in-the-Mouth Caramel Chocolat Cream Puff
- Price: 249 yen (268 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Limited Quantity
First up is the cream puff, known in Japan as “Shoe Cream.” This is a particularly popular category among Japanese Konbini Sweets. This time, the classic combination of chocolate and caramel has been arranged in the Pierre Marcolini style.
Inside the savory puff shell, which is topped with cookie dough and baked, you’ll find plenty of bittersweet caramel sauce and rich chocolate cream. One bite spreads the profound aroma of chocolate. The taste, with its restrained sweetness, promises a luxurious “melting” time for adults.
Chocolat and Pear Crepe
- Price: 276 yen (298 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Limited Quantity
Japanese convenience stores excel at evolving authentic desserts into forms that can be eaten with one hand (one-hand sweets). This crepe is a prime example. What is surprising is the pairing of chocolate with “Pear.”
A chewy crepe dough scented with burnt butter wraps around rich chocolate cream and pears infused with the scent of vanilla. The strength of the cacao and the fruity sweetness of the pear create an exquisite contrast. It is a surprising deliciousness that Mr. Pierre Marcolini also shows confidence in.
Double Layer Chocolat Baumkuchen (Choco & Plain)
- Price: 239 yen (258 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Limited Quantity
In Japan, “Baumkuchen” is deeply rooted as a gift and a snack. This product features a two-layer structure of chocolate-flavored dough and plain dough scented with fermented butter. Furthermore, the entire cake is coated in chocolate.
You can enjoy the texture of the moist cake and the crisp snap of the chocolate. The gradation of flavors woven by the two types of dough offers a simple yet profound taste. It is a perfect item for an afternoon break, enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Vanilla Scented Lemon Financier
- Price: 213 yen (230 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Limited Quantity
This financier is said to be a confident creation of Mr. Marcolini as a patissier. Vanilla seeds are mixed into dough using French fermented butter, and the refreshing flavor of “Setouchi Lemon,” a Japanese specialty product, is added.
The sense of balance, where the acidity of the lemon tightens the richness of the thick butter, is superb. Delicious even in its aftertaste, it is a baked good perfect as a “Treat for myself.”
Hazelnut Chocolat Melon Pan
- Price: 184 yen (198 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Note: Specifications and prices differ in Okinawa Prefecture.
- Limited Quantity
“Melon Pan,” symbolizing Japanese bread culture, also makes an appearance. Melon Pan is a sweet bun originating in Japan, made by placing sweet biscuit dough on top of bread dough and baking it. This version uses a hazelnut-flavored biscuit dough containing cocoa.
Inside, hazelnut whipped cream and hazelnut chocolate cream are sandwiched. You can enjoy the scent of nuts spreading the moment you open the bag, the crispy biscuit dough, and the fluffy texture of the bread. Feel the breeze of Belgium with your breakfast or lunch.
Chocolat Danish Raspberry
- Price: 184 yen (198 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Note: Specifications and prices differ in Okinawa Prefecture.
- Limited Quantity
The combination of chocolate and berry is undeniably delicious. This is a Danish pastry baked with raspberry-flavored cocoa cake dough and sweet and sour raspberry jam squeezed on top. Rich chocolate cream is sandwiched inside.
The texture of the layered Danish dough, the acidity of the raspberry, and the sweetness of the chocolate cream harmonize beautifully. It looks gorgeous and stands out even in the bread corner of the convenience store.
Chocolat Ice Bar
- Price: 276 yen (298 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Limited Quantity
Finally, we introduce the Chocolat Ice Bar, irresistible for ice cream lovers. The rich melt of the chocolate is accented by the texture of savory nuts.
Since Japanese houses are well-equipped with heating, there is a custom of eating cold ice cream in a warm room during winter. Why not enjoy this luxurious bar, spreading the aroma of cacao, after a bath or during your relaxation time?
Enjoy Art this Valentine’s: Van Gogh Masterpiece Gifts
In addition to the products supervised by Pierre Marcolini, FamilyMart will be releasing special Valentine’s Day products. These are limited-edition gifts designed with the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh. Although these are not supervised by Marcolini, their beauty is a must-see.
A box of petite chocolates featuring “Vase with Chinese Asters and Gladioli.” The affordable price of 602 yen (650 yen incl. tax) for 6 pieces is also attractive.
A design of “Couples Walking in the Square at Saint-Pierre.” A chocolate assortment perfect for a gift to a loved one. The price is 797 yen (860 yen incl. tax).
A design of the famous masterpiece “The Starry Night.” A set of chocolates and Gateau Chocolat enjoyed for 926 yen (1,000 yen incl. tax).
An assortment of 6 chocolates featuring the famous “Sunflowers.” Immerse yourself in an artistic mood for 1,112 yen (1,200 yen incl. tax).
A set designing “Almond Blossom.” Contains 3 types: chocolate, financier, and gateau for 1,297 yen (1,400 yen incl. tax).
A tin of chocolates designing “Café Terrace at Night.” A beautiful tin you’ll want to use for small items even after eating. 1,389 yen (1,500 yen incl. tax).
Additionally, the annually popular KitKat Heartful Bear Heart Tin (1,600 yen / 1,728 yen incl. tax) is also on sale.
Make Valentine’s 2026 “Fami-Choco”
In Japan, the culture of buying chocolates on Valentine’s Day not only for lovers but also for family and oneself has taken root. FamilyMart calls this “Fami-Choco.”
The 7 products supervised by Pierre Marcolini are perfect for this “reward for oneself.” Being able to easily obtain authentic chocolate flavors at a convenience store open 24 hours a day is one of the wonderful conveniences of Japan. Sales start from January 27th. As many are limited quantity items, we recommend checking the stores early if you are staying in Japan.
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