OUR STORY

ABOUT DAVID

Those that know me well understand how deeply committed and passionate I am about the art of chocolate. From bean to bar… and beyond, indeed. 

I am a shameless perfectionist where every single confection I create is packed with integrity, thought, expertise, pride and love.

It all started working under local master chocolatier Michael Rechiutti. That experience unlocked my creative mind, inspired me to grow and eventually brought me to where I am today.

As an experienced chocolatier I’ve learned to appreciate the entire “bean to bar” process, notably the origin, history, science, the fruit's beautifully complex nuances and especially the farmers.

To me chocolate is life, something I couldn’t imagine being without, whether it be a nutritious daily dietary supplement or simply something that brings others joy.

My journey continues with endless global curiosity and deep dive into the world of craft chocolate, and I invite you to follow along!

SUSTAINABILITY

We offer yoU Direct Trade Chocolate

Transparency and a high regard for farmers' communities that have a vision for sustaining cocoa production as a viable crop, these are goals of the direct trade ethos. In addition to the fresh produce from local farms that is always featured in our confections, we choose chocolates that are highly ethical by working with chocolate makers who trade directly with farmers. Click the link to learn more about your chocolate.

OUR PARTNERS

  • https://www.hcpcacao.org/

    For a deeper dive into the work of preservation of fragile varietals of cacao, identifying genetics of cacao, and other work by HCP, click the link. There are now 16 Heirloom Cacao designations around our planet. Ecuador has the highest concentration of these. We offer you those heirloom varietals produced by Conexión Chocolates.

  • https://www.conexionchocolate.com/farmers/

    The name tells you the story. Conexión works directly with farmers, empowering them with sustainable production practices of Arriba Naçional Cacao and heirloom varietals. Ecuador is the largest producer of fine grade cacao on our planet.

  • https://www.felchlin.com/en/cacao-selection/sustainability/

    Founded in 1908, Felchlin uses the guideline ‘fair direct cocoa’ in optimizing practices and production of fine grade cocoa in underdeveloped cacao origins to improve farmers’ livelihoods and land use.

  • https://chocolateinstitute.org/

    This team of researchers and educators is based around Harvard University. They are making great strides in progress for the new chocolate movement. Their goal is to empower farmers with skills to produce high grade cocoa and empower their own lives, essentially reversing the colonial foundation of modern chocolate production. This is a deep rabbit hole into the politics, culture, and power around chocolate. Click the link to know more about your chocolate.

  • https://www.agriculturalinstitute.org

    AIM serves 350+ farmers, food purveyors, and artisans from 38 California counties who participate in AIM’s eight Certified Farmers Markets across the Bay Area. Their goal is to showcase the benefits of buying locally grown, raised, sourced and products directly from the producer. Click the link to learn more about their mission and markets.