Each batch is a handcrafted harmony of tradition and innovation, crafted to delight and inspire

The Heart Behind the Hive

From harnessing earthworms to helping nature create compost as a child to crafting one-of-a-kind nougat, Wesley’s journey is rooted in purpose, creativity, and care. His passion for sustainability, flavour, and community has shaped every step of De Chen Nougat’s story. This is the story of a maker, a beekeeper, and a visionary with a sweet mission.

Meet The Founder

WESLEY CHEN

From a young age, Wesley’s hands were in the soil and his heart rooted in purpose. Growing up surrounded by nature—farming earthworms for compost, recycling with his uncle in Taiwan, and nurturing herbs in his own garden—his love for sustainable living was planted early. A trained health professional with a soft spot for cooking and baking, Wesley has always believed that good food should nourish both people and the planet.

While completing his community service in the public health sector in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, he witnessed first-hand the effects of inequality and unemployment. Then came a lightbulb moment—an active beehive in an HR office roof sparked his fascination with bees. That curiosity led him to study beekeeping in 2015, and soon he was producing small harvests of honey.

A Sweet Spark that Started It All

But the true spark? A birthday gift in 2014—his first taste of Taiwanese nougat from his now wife—that ignited his obsession with creating the perfect confection. Through years of testing, tinkering, and blending his own honey with premium ingredients, De Chen Nougat was born: a vision that united flavour, heritage, and job creation in a single bite.

Wesley's Journey - A Taste of Purpose

Childhood

Earthworm composting, veggie growing & food waste recycling

2014

First taste of nougat; the obsession begins

2015

Beekeeping course completed; first hives and harvest

2016-2017

Studies in engineering with focus on sustainability

2021

First nougat batches during COVID lockdown

2022-2024

Industrial upgrades, team expansion, and nougat kitchen built

2025

Launch of ultra-premium freeze-dried nougat range

Crafted with Purpose, Guided by Vision

At De Chen Nougat, we’re committed to crafting confection that goes beyond indulgence—moments of joy rooted in sustainability and cultural harmony. Every nougat we make reflects our pledge to the planet, our partnerships with ethical producers, and our passion for blending East and West into something uniquely South African.