Best North American Chocolate Producers
Chocolates El Rey is a Venezuelan chocolate manufacturer that specializes in producing gourmet-quality chocolate using locally sourced, premium Venezuelan cacao. The company was established in 1929 and emphasizes traditional methods combined with modern technology to craft a variety of chocolate products, including couverture chocolates and chocolate bars.
Chocolates El Rey exports its products to various international markets, supporting Venezuela's reputation for high-quality cacao.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2016, 2015, 2014, 2012
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2017
International Chocolate Awards - Overall winners
2013
BEST Chocolates El Rey Chocolates
Theo Chocolate, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, was established in 2006 and is notable for being the first organic, fair trade certified chocolate maker in North America. The company sources its cocoa beans directly from farmers in Congo and Peru, emphasizing sustainable and ethical practices in its production processes.
Theo Chocolate offers a variety of chocolate products, including bars, snacks, and confections, which are crafted at their factory in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, where they also offer factory tours to the public.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2016
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2013, 2011, 2008
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2014, 2012
BEST Theo Chocolate Confectioneries
Forte Chocolates, located in Washington, specializes in handcrafted artisan chocolates. The company emphasizes the use of all-natural ingredients and traditional techniques. They offer a variety of chocolate products, including bars, truffles, and seasonal specialties.
Forte Chocolates also integrates unique flavors such as lemon pepper with white chocolate, reflecting their innovative approach to chocolate making.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2020, 2018, 2016
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2013
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013
BEST Forte Chocolates Chocolates
Castronovo Chocolate, located in Stuart, Florida, specializes in small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate production. The company sources heirloom cacao from remote regions of the Americas and focuses on producing high-quality chocolate that emphasizes the unique flavors of each bean variety.
Castronovo Chocolate has received numerous international awards, highlighting their commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2020, 2019, 2016
Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean
2019
BEST Castronovo Chocolate Chocolates
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2019, 2018
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2020, 2019, 2018
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2024, 2019, 2018
BEST Cocovaa Chocolatier Desserts
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2022, 2021, 2019
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
BEST Creo Chocolate Chocolates
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023
International Chocolate Awards - Bronze
2023, 2018, 2017
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2017
BEST Mellis Chocolate Chocolates
Petrova Chocolates, created by Betty Petrova, is known for innovative and globally-inspired chocolates. The brand emphasizes high-quality ingredients, often using dark chocolate from Kokoa Kamili, paired with unique fillings like spices, fruits, and nuts.
Their collections, such as the Postcard Collection, feature diverse flavors from around the world, offering an international fusion in every piece.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2021
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2021
Blind Cat Chocolate is an artisanal chocolate brand that focuses on crafting premium, high-quality chocolates with ethically sourced ingredients. Known for its rich, complex flavors and creative combinations, Blind Cat Chocolate offers a unique and indulgent experience for chocolate lovers.
Each bar is carefully handcrafted, highlighting the natural flavors of the cacao while offering a distinctive, memorable taste. Perfect for those who appreciate fine chocolate made with passion and care, Blind Cat Chocolate embodies a commitment to quality and sustainability.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2024
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2024
BEST Blind Cat Chocolate Chocolates
LaRouère Fabrique de Chocolat is a bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in Moncton, Canada. They specialize in crafting high-quality, single-origin dark chocolates sourced from regions like Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Honduras. With a passion for artisanal chocolate-making, they emphasize sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Their chocolates are available for purchase online, and visitors can explore their craft through guided tours.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2024
BEST LaRouère Fabrique de Chocolat Chocolates
Best North American Chocolates
Icoa is a premium white chocolate product made by Chocolates El Rey, a renowned Venezuelan chocolate company known for its high-quality cocoa products. Icoa is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and its distinctively smooth flavor, which makes it a favorite among chocolate enthusiasts and pastry chefs alike.
The product is crafted using fine cocoa butter, which is responsible for its high quality and superior taste. The company prides itself on sourcing its cacao from local Venezuelan farmers, ensuring sustainability and supporting the local economy.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2015, 2014
International Chocolate Awards - Overall winners
2013
Tranquilidad, Bolivia 70% Dark is a chocolate bar produced by LetterPress Chocolate. It is known for its unique flavor profile derived from cacao beans sourced from the Tranquilidad Estate in Bolivia. This specific region is celebrated for its high-quality cacao, which contributes to the distinct taste of the chocolate.
The bar typically includes tasting notes that highlight a blend of fruity and nutty undertones, making it a popular choice among dark chocolate enthusiasts.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2022, 2021, 2020
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2016, 2015
International Chocolate Awards - Best in competition' overall winners
2016
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023
International Chocolate Awards - ‘Best in competition' overall winners
2023
Soma Chocolatemaker produces a chocolate called Guasare, known for its rich and complex flavor profile. The Guasare cacao beans are sourced from Venezuela, specifically from the region where the rare and ancient variety of Criollo beans are found.
These beans are highly prized for their nuanced taste and aromatic qualities. Soma Chocolatemaker carefully crafts the Guasare chocolate to highlight the beans' natural flavors, resulting in a product that is celebrated by chocolate enthusiasts for its depth and richness.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2018
International Chocolate Awards - Best in competition' overall winners
2018
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2017
International Chocolate Awards - Best in competition' overall winners
2017
The Inclusion Bar Envelope Line by Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate is a specialty collection that features artisan chocolate bars with unique and flavorful inclusions. Each bar in this line is carefully crafted using high-quality cacao beans sourced from premium origins.
The inclusions range from dried fruits and nuts to spices and other gourmet ingredients, meticulously chosen to complement and enhance the rich, complex flavors of the chocolate. The packaging for this line is designed with attention to detail, showcasing elegant and artistic envelope-style wrappers that reflect the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2017, 2015
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2016
Birch Branch is an exquisite chocolate that showcases a harmonious blend of rich dark chocolate and the unique flavor of birch syrup. This delightful combination offers a subtle sweetness complemented by earthy undertones, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Each bite unveils layers of complexity, with the smooth, velvety texture melting beautifully on the palate. Perfect for those who appreciate innovative flavor pairings, Birch Branch is not just a treat but an exploration of nature's bounty. Ideal for gifting or indulging yourself, this chocolate invites you to savor the artistry of fine chocolate making.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2017
The product Barre à croquer Gianduja & grué de cacao made by Allo Simonne is a delightful chocolate bar that combines the rich, smooth flavors of Gianduja with the crunchy texture of cocoa nibs (grué de cacao). This bar is known for its balance of sweetness and nuttiness, offering an indulgent experience for chocolate lovers.
The added cocoa nibs introduce a layer of complexity, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. Allo Simonne is renowned for using high-quality ingredients to craft their chocolate products, ensuring that their offerings are both delicious and sophisticated.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023
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