Founded in 2014, VillaKuyaya is a woman-led, small-batch chocolatier crafting gourmet bean-to-bar chocolate from Arriba Nacional cacao rooted in Ecuador’s Esmeraldas region. Based in New York, the family business carries forward founder Juana’s ancestral knowledge through distinctive chocolate bars and tastings that connect Ecuadorian tradition with inventive flavors. Its work is grounded in partnerships with smallholder farmers, sustainability, and traceability from farm to finished bar.
Morito ChocolatesFemale-founded Morito Chocolates makes cacao-driven vegan confections by hand in Brooklyn, beginning with its signature chocolate sticks and expanding into filled mini cups. The company builds each small batch from cacao, using organic, gluten-free ingredients and a short ingredient list so the chocolate’s character stays clear. Its sourcing is rooted in the Caribbean, including a partnership with Puerto Rico’s Hacienda Jeanmarie, the island’s first registered cacao hacienda.BROOKLYN, NY
Diego’s ChocolateTz’utujil Mayan-owned Diego’s Chocolate has been handcrafting soft chocolate rolls and ceremonial cacao in Guatemala since 1990. Founded by Diego Hernandez after learning traditional roasting from his grandmother, the company keeps cacao production in its lakeside workshop, using wood-fire roasting and hand winnowing to create its distinctive rustic, fudge-like texture. Its chocolates are made at origin by Tz’utujil artisans and wrapped in individually hand-colored labels.SCHENECTADY, NY
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
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