Enjoy Nirvana Chocolates Belgian Caramel Sea Salt 72%. In 1912, the Belgian chocolate-maker, Jean Neuhaus, invented the first hard chocolate shell, also called couverture, which allowed for smooth fillings and creams inside. Based on this invention, many villages throughout Europe have developed local shops where these hand-made sweets are produced. In Belgium, there is at least one confiserie (as these shops are called) in every village.