Tyler 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.
Maverick ChocolateBorn from a Cincinnati kitchen experiment in 2013, Maverick Chocolate is a family-owned, bean-to-bar craft chocolate maker that turns ethically sourced cocoa beans into chocolate bars, truffles and drinks. Paul and Marlene Picton run the company with their sons Ben and Scott, carrying the family’s aviation background into a Covington factory and retail operation. The company’s chocolate has earned 13 awards, including Good Food Awards for its Belize, Tanzania and distinctive Fahrenheit 513 bar.CINCINNATI, OH
Lagusta's LusciousSince 2003, Lagusta’s Luscious has made small-batch vegan chocolates in New Paltz, pairing bold, unexpected flavors with painstaking artisan techniques. The woman-owned business works with small farmers and producers, uses ethical ingredients and recycled packaging, and treats social justice and environmental responsibility as part of the confectionery’s everyday practice. Its chocolates are made by hand in a shop that grew from one employee to as many as 15 during the holiday season.NEW PALTZ, NY
DecocoaDecocoa hand-crafts fine chocolate in Rochester, New York, while also serving as a contract manufacturer for premium chocolate brands across North America. The family business builds its products around ethically and sustainably farmed cocoa beans sourced from around the world, and invites visitors into its factory through an experience center, tours, and classes.ROCHESTER, NY
Edward Marc ChocolatierEdward Marc Chocolatier has been making small-batch chocolate confections since 1914, when Charlie and Orania opened a chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. Four generations later, the company is best known for Snappers®, built around a family caramel recipe cooked slowly in copper kettles and paired with proprietary bite-sized pretzels made in Pennsylvania. Edward Marc also develops new flavor combinations while using sustainably sourced cocoa and ingredients without artificial flavors or preservatives.PITTSBURGH, PA