Discover the Prince of Beukelaer: The Exclusive Figure That Came with Prince Biscuits
The Beukelaer Prince cookies are the ones we remember from our childhood, either for lunch at school or for an afternoon snack when we got home. This chocolate cookie is even more popular in Germany, being by far the best-selling cookie there.
Who was Beukelaer?
In the 19th century, European bakers dominated the market, but Edouard de Beukelaer, a master craftsman of Belgian origin, decided to create his own niche. He started making cookies with his own recipes in his small bakery, and the success was such that, twenty years later, in 1870, he opened his own cookie factory. The story goes that his products were adored by Prince Leopold II of Belgium, who even stained his clothes and palace furniture with chocolate, his favorite ingredient.
In honor of the prince, De Beukelaer created a special recipe: a sandwich of two cookies with a milk chocolate filling. However, due to the wars ravaging Europe, the product did not reach stores, and in 1919, the Belgian craftsman died without imagining the fame his invention would achieve years later. His wife, Jeanne, then decided to take over the factory left by her husband and, finally, in 1927, Prince cookies became a reality. However, the first packages were not like the ones we know today, as the cookies were sold in small metal boxes.
When did the Prince cookie character emerge?
In 1947, the prince's logo was created and the cylindrical paper packaging was introduced, although with different colors than those we know today. It was in that same year that the brand began its expansion process and its products started reaching French homes. Later, in 1965, they also arrived in the Netherlands, and in 1974, they were introduced in Spain.
When did Prince cookies arrive in Spain?
In our country, we had to wait many years to try the delicious Prince cookies and make them favorites of young and old. Finally, in 1974, they arrived in Spain and became an instant success.
The company underwent changes over time. In 1980, it joined Lu (Lefèvre-Utile), a French food company. From then on, the Prince brand took off with force. However, almost three decades later, in 2007, Galletas Lu was sold to Kraft Foods, which then became Mondelez International in 2012. In Spain, this group is responsible for marketing other delicious cookie brands such as Fontaneda and Oreo.
Playmobil Beukelaer Prince Editions
Regarding the Playmobil Beukelaer Prince, it is undoubtedly one of the most difficult to find today, and one of the most appreciated by collectors of promotional and medieval-themed figures.
The first edition of the Playmobil Beukelaer Prince dates back to 1982, although we do not know the number of Playmobil figures that were manufactured. We obtained the photo thanks to our friend Aleon.
The second edition of the Playmobil Beukelaer Prince was in 1995; only 6666 units of this figure were manufactured and distributed by lottery. Both the body, with the characteristic gold medal, and the legs, with blue boots and red pants, are exclusive, while the other parts can easily be found in other catalog figures. We obtained the photo thanks to our friend Aleon.
Its price is high due to its rarity; they typically sell for about €150 without the bag and €300 with the bag, the latter being quite difficult to find.
The third edition of the Playmobil Beukelaer Prince was released in 2017 in France and the Netherlands, and the following year in Spain, with approximately 9,000 units of this figure produced per country.
This latest edition is more affordable, usually priced around €8 without the bag and €25 with the bag.
Regarding the third edition, there are two versions, differing exclusively by the cardboard packaging; the Playmobil figure itself is the same. The cardboard on the right is from Spain, and the one on the left is from the Netherlands and France.
In this photo you can see all 3 editions of the Playmobil Beukelaer Prince. It's rare to see all 3 editions together. Thanks, Aleon.
At the todotoy store, you can find the third edition of the Playmobil Beukelaer Prince. Click on the image for more product information ;)