Chocolatoa is a Belgian bean-to-bar chocolate maker founded in 2015 by chocolatier Mario Vandeneede, after several years spent in Ecuador teaching cacao processing and working with local farmers. The brand was born out of a vision for complete transparency and ethical production - from bean to bar - through direct collaboration with growers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Vandeneede personally selects cacao varieties and plantations, often working with specialty importers such as Silva Cacao, who ensure fair trade conditions and sustainable cultivation. Chocolatoa’s chocolates are known for their pure, expressive cacao flavor, free from excessive additives and showcasing the distinct origin of each variety.

Each bar reflects the terroir of its source through nuanced aromas - from fruity and floral to warm earthy tones. Beyond production, Chocolatoa is also recognized for its educational mission, organizing workshops, tastings, and consulting sessions for aspiring bean-to-bar makers.

The brand exemplifies how Belgian craftsmanship can merge tradition, science, and sustainability into a single, coherent philosophy.