Founded by Joy Batashoff Thaler, CocoaCompassion makes bean-to-bar chocolate and cacao products in New York while using chocolate as a platform for personal and professional growth. Its single-origin Tanzanian cacao is sourced through Kokoa Kamili and transformed into products such as drinking chocolate and cacao nibs, alongside creative experiences and training intended to support more valued, independent lives. The company also develops hyperlocal collaborations, including chocolate made with sea salt crafted from Sapidus Farms water by chef Chris Amendola.
Sol CacaoFounded by Trinidadian-born brothers raised in New York City, Sol Cacao makes bean-to-bar chocolate in the Bronx. The family business is the borough’s first bean-to-bar chocolate factory, using just cacao, cane sugar and cocoa butter to keep its bars minimally processed while connecting Caribbean heritage with New York craftsmanship. Its all-vegan chocolate also supports the company’s aim of creating specialty manufacturing jobs in the Bronx and supporting cacao farmers.BRONX, NY
Moka OriginsMoka Origins makes small-batch craft chocolate and specialty coffee from its facility in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, including chocolate produced from cacao bean to finished bar and coffee roasted in-house. Founded by Ishan and Jeff after working with farming communities in Cameroon, the company pairs direct-trade sourcing with manufacturing services for other brands. Its impact work includes farmer training, tree planting and community food-security projects, with every product helping support those efforts.HONESDALE, PA
Nostalgia ChocolatesTyler Cagwin makes small-batched, bean-to-bar chocolate by hand at Nostalgia Chocolates’ little factory in Huntersville, North Carolina. Inspired by a first taste of real chocolate while sailing through the Caribbean, he built the company around old-fashioned handcraft, ethically sourced cacao, and the idea that chocolate should be savored slowly and shared. The range includes origin-focused bars as well as treats such as chocolate-covered caramels, with recyclable packaging intended to reduce its footprint.SYRACUSE, NY