OUR STORY | OUR CHOICES
“Basically, we have created this company backwards: the pillars first then the product. We put a lot of thoughts and effort to make Chocolat-e more than just another chocolate brand.”
Every good adventure starts with a lovestory.
The love for justice and equity, the love for people and our planet, the love for good ingredients. And of course the love for great chocolate.
What is the point of creating yet another chocolate brand?… If not ethical? If not sustainable? If not socially responsible? If not focused on the best taste? If not dedicated to give you the best experience?
We built our foundational pillars on our values while asking these questions.
… If not ethical?
NO to labor exploitation. YES to ethical sourcing. Because we know that everything comes with a price and our respect for our fellow human beings comes way before profit.
.. If not sustainable?
NO to deforestation. NO to excessive waste. YES to recyclable and recycled packaging. Because we believe we can contribute to a healthier planet.
… If not socially responsible?
NO to discrimination. YES to diversity and inclusion. Because we believe in supporting our communities.
… If not focused on the best taste?
With our firm foundations in place, we can begin to focus on taste. NO to beans grown solely for high yield. YES to high quality beans and the best processes used to enhance their unique origins and tastes.
… If not dedicated to give you the best experience?
NO to mindless munching. YES to an elevated, multi-sensual experience. Because at the end of the day, we make this chocolate for you to savor and enjoy.
We’re working hard to get them. Because we believe in them.
NO to labor exploitation.
YES to ethical sourcing.
BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT EVERYTHING COMES WITH A PRICE AND OUR RESPECT FOR OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS COMES WAY BEFORE PROFIT.
We partnered with Valrhona for sourcing our beans.
Not only for the best selection and cultivation of fine cocoa – the best aromatic ranges and gastronomy worldwide – but for the best practices to contribute to a more sustainable and ethical cocoa sector.
Livable wages, respect, suitable conditions, communication – these values are the reason we partner with Valrhona. From the cocoa farms to our distribution in Oregon – Corporate Social Responsibility is a major concern at Chocolat-e. It’s our entire focus, our goal. That means working to get a little closer to it everyday, as a collective.
NO to deforestation.
YES to sustainable farming.
BECAUSE WE BELIEVE WE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A HEALTHIER PLANET.
Sustainability in the cocoa industry must start with the protection of the environment where cocoa grows. Only when cocoa grows in protected, nurtured and biodiverse lands, chocolate can be considered sustainable.
We support the Cacao Forest initiative through Valrhona, that aims to create the sustainable cocoa of the future. Through agroforestry – growing cocoa trees alongside other types of tree – they hope to create innovative agricultural models that will increase the quality and productivity of the cocoa trees, improve farmers’ livelihoods and protect the environment.
NO to beans grown solely for high yield.
YES to high quality beans and best processes.
BECAUSE TASTE IS THE IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCE.
100% of the cocoa is traced from Valrhona’s producers around the world. 60% of cocoa beans can be traced back to the individual plot with an objective of 100% by 2025.
It allows us to know where the cocoa comes from, who harvested it and under what conditions.
This helps to improve the living and working conditions of producers and to fight against deforestation, while guaranteeing the quality of the cocoa beans.
NO to mindless munching.
YES to an elevated, multi-sensual experience.
BECAUSE WE BELIEVE WE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A HEALTHIER PLANET.
Sustainability in the cocoa industry must start with the protection of the environment where cocoa grows. Only when cocoa grows in protected, nurtured and biodiverse lands, chocolate can be considered sustainable.
We support the Cacao Forest initiative through Valrhona, that aims to create the sustainable cocoa of the future. Through agroforestry – growing cocoa trees alongside other types of tree – they hope to create innovative agricultural models that will increase the quality and productivity of the cocoa trees, improve farmers’ livelihoods and protect the environment.
NO to excessive waste.
YES to recyclable and recycled packaging.
BECAUSE WE BELIEVE WE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A CLEANER PLANET.
The race for sustainability is a work in progress. Our desire to get greener is bound by only one limitation: cost. We have to make compromises to offer you such sustainable solutions at an affordable rate. We’re not there yet, not even sure we will be one day!
Our packages are slim fit designed – we keep it modest. For you, first and foremost, because it lowers the cost. Small packages cost less to produce and to ship, while cutting down on waste and their overall carbon footprint. It’s a win-win: for you and for our planet.
Our cardboard boxes are tough and elegant. Once you enjoy the chocolate, keep the box and buy refills. It feels good to save money and waste, for the same great taste! Our refill sleeves are made of a very plain, 100% recycled, brown paper bag. There’s no point in spending money – for you and for us – on packaging that will go in the garbage once it’s used.
NO to TASTELESS ingredients.
YES to the pleasure of senses
BECAUSE WE WANT TO OFFER YOU THE BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE.
We made it easy on us by taking Frédéric Cassel on board. Best Pastry Chef in France (twice) and Pastry World Cup winner with the French Team, we knew his chocolate would be fantastic. And they are.
Frédéric is all about using the best ingredients and playing with aromas.The chocolate couvertures he created are in total respect of the cocoa beans he chose. The hole idea being to enhance the notes from the original beans, without betraying them. And to offer you a spectacular journey through our chocolate tasting.