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{{Short description|American chocolate company}}
{{Advert|article|date=July 2015}}
{{refimprove|date=December 2017}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
|name = Taza Chocolate
|name = Taza Chocolate
|type = Private
|foundation = 2005
|type = Private
|image = Taza Chocolate products.jpg
|founders = Alex Whitmore, Kathleen Fulton, and Larry Slotnick<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ailworth|first1=Erin|title=Taza Chocolate focuses on quality amid growth|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/05/21/sweet-but-familiar-story-mass-manufacturing/xuThZGcdPFNpjxkyD8h50N/story.html|website=bostonglobe.com|publisher=The Boston Globe}}</ref>
|image_caption = A shelf full of Taza Chocolates
|location = [[Somerville, Massachusetts|Somerville]], [[Massachusetts]], [[USA]]
|foundation = 2005
|industry = Food and Confectionery Manufacturers
|founders = Alex Whitmore, Kathleen Fulton, and Larry Slotnick<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ailworth|first1=Erin|title=Taza Chocolate focuses on quality amid growth|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/05/21/sweet-but-familiar-story-mass-manufacturing/xuThZGcdPFNpjxkyD8h50N/story.html|website=bostonglobe.com|publisher=The Boston Globe}}</ref>
|products = Chocolate Mexicano Discs, Stone Ground Dark Chocolate Bars, Tazito Mini Crunch Bars, [[Baking Chocolate]], & Chocolate Covered Treats
|location = [[Somerville, Massachusetts|Somerville]], [[Massachusetts]], [[US]]
|homepage = [http://www.tazachocolate.com/ www.tazachocolate.com]
|industry = Food and Confectionery Manufacturers
|products = Stone Ground Origin Bars, Amaze Bars, Chocolate Mexicano Discs, Chocolate Covered Treats, Tazitos Minibars, Baking Products
|homepage = {{url|www.tazachocolate.com}}
}}
}}


'''Taza Chocolate''' is a Mexican-inspired stoneground, organic chocolate manufacturer based in [[Somerville, Massachusetts]], United States. The factory was founded by Alex Whitmore in 2005 and is home to over 40 different products that can be found in 2,800 retail stores across the country.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Luna|first1=Taryn|title=Seven Things You Should Know About Alex Whitmore|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/05/10/seven-things-you-should-know-about-alex-whitmore-taza-chocolate/i0cB10YJdMejE58BLkUXrI/story.html|website=bostonglobe.com|publisher=The Boston Globe}}</ref>
'''Taza Chocolate''' is a [[chocolate]] manufacturer based in [[Somerville, MA]], USA. The company produces stone ground, organic chocolate.
[[File:Taza store.jpg|thumb|Show room and store at Taza factory in Somerville, MA]]
[[File:Various Taza Chocolates.jpg|thumb|right|Samples at Taza Chocolate Factory]]


==Founding==
==History==
Alex Whitmore founded Taza Chocolate in 2005 after a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, where he first encountered stone ground chocolate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/news/jobs/2016/02/23/ceo-desk-how-taza-chocolates-founder-brought-a-taste-of-mexico-to-the-east-coast|title=CEO Desk: How Taza Chocolate's founder brought a taste of Mexico to Somerville {{!}} Boston.com|website=www.boston.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-29}}</ref>
In 2005, Taza Chocolate Founder, Alex Whitmore took his first bite of stone ground chocolate while traveling in Oaxaca, Mexico. He was so inspired by the rustic intensity that he decided to create a chocolate factory back home in Somerville, MA. Alex apprenticed under a molinero in Oaxaca to learn how to hand-carve granite mill stones to make a new kind of American chocolate that is simply crafted, but seriously good.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tazachocolate.com/About/Our_Story |title= The Taza Chocolate Story |publisher= tazachocolate.com |accessdate=January 25, 2014}}</ref>
==The company and product==
Taza Chocolate has been noted for being economically, and environmentally sustainable, and for their focus on compensating growers fairly for their work through [[Direct trade|Direct Trade]] relationships.


After building out a factory space in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 2006, Whitmore acquired a mix of traditional and vintage machinery, including stone mills from Oaxaca,<ref name="Hofherr 2016">{{cite web | last=Hofherr | first=Justine | title=CEO Desk: How Taza Chocolate's founder brought a taste of Mexico to Somerville | website=Boston.com | date=February 23, 2016 | url=https://www.boston.com/jobs/jobs-news/2016/02/23/ceo-desk-how-taza-chocolates-founder-brought-a-taste-of-mexico-to-the-east-coast | access-date=December 16, 2017}}</ref> an Italian [[winnower]] from Dominican Republic, and a Barth Sirocco roaster from Italy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tazachocolate.com/About/Company_History |title= The Taza Chocolate Story|publisher =tazachocolate.com |accessdate=October 20, 2015}}</ref>{{Third-party inline|date=April 2020}} The cacao beans were initially bought from brokers, but Whitmore later traveled through Central and South America and the Caribbean in search of farmers who could work directly with him. Whitmore and his co-founder and wife, Kathleen Fulton, have maintained a [[Direct trade|Direct Trade]] relationship with every cacao grower from where they source the cacao beans.
A number of chefs have turned to Taza's products, utilizing the chocolates in their recipes. Several micro-brewers are also using Taza as an ingredient in their beers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tazachocolate.com/documents/file/press_articles/20081112_Boston_Herald.pdf|title= Setting the Bar Higher|author= Carley Thornell |publisher= [[The Boston Herald]] |date=November 12, 2008}}</ref>


Taza Chocolate is sold across the United States and in certain countries abroad.
==Reviews==
Critics and reviewers have often noted the unusual texture of the chocolates (which is from the stone-grinding). The flavor of the chocolate has been described as "fruity", and is sometimes compared to flavors found in wines.


==Direct trade process==
In the February 2009 issue of Gourmet magazine, Charles Kelsey wrote, "On the palate, Taza chocolate is wild. It buzzes, slaps, and sings with an exotic, winy complexity. Most intriguing is its coarse, faintly gritty texture. At first it's slightly off-putting. But when the tiny granules - pieces of cacao bean - start flashing on your tongue, they hit it with intense nutty, citrus flavors."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tazachocolate.com/documents/file/press_articles/20090201_Gourmet.pdf |title= Good Living Food - Artisan Rolling Stone |author= Charles Kelsey| publisher= [[Gourmet Magazine]]| page= 33 |date= February 2009}}</ref>
Taza Chocolate uses Certified USDA [[Organic food|organic]], non-GMO [[Theobroma cacao|cacao]]. The company has developed [[Direct trade|Direct Trade]] relationships with small certified organic cacao growers. These trade relationships are between the company and the grower without intermediaries. Taza Chocolate pays them more than the Fair Trade minimum price for cacao.<ref name="Financial Post 2017">{{cite web | title=Beyond fair trade: These bean-to-bar chocolate makers are upping the ante on working with cocoa farmers | website=Financial Post | date=December 6, 2017 | url=http://business.financialpost.com/commodities/agriculture/beyond-fair-trade-these-bean-to-bar-chocolate-makers-are-upping-the-ante-on-working-with-cocoa-farmers | access-date=December 16, 2017}}</ref>


==Products==
In the October 15, 2008 edition of Wine Spectator, Owen Dugan commented, "I also liked Taza Chocolate... Forget about the texture - these guys stone-grind the beans. Yep, stone-grind. Why? the simple answer is, because they're crazy. But they claim that they get more fruit out of the beans by refining less. Typically, there's a sweet spot in chocolate production- perfect texture and peak flavor at the same time.... Bottom line; If you can get past the graininess you do get a very fruity (I tasted kirsch in the 80 percent bar) but also rustically chocolaty bar, at both 70 and 80 percent"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tazachocolate.com/documents/file/press_articles/20081008_Wine_Spectator.pdf |title= The New Americans| author= Owen Dugan |publisher= [[Wine Spectator]] |date=October 15, 2008}}</ref>
[[File:Chocolate Mexicano Discs.jpg|thumb|right|Taza Chocolate Oaxacan Sampler Discs]]
Taza sells a variety of chocolates in bars and discs, including:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chocosphere.com/Html/Products/taza_chocolate.html |title= Taza Chocolate – U.S.A. |publisher =Chocosphere |accessdate=August 16, 2012}}</ref>


'''The Amaze Bars:''' Stone ground chocolate combined with other flavors
==Products==
*Wicked Dark
[[File:Taza display.jpg|thumb|right|A display of many of the products sold by Taza Chocolate]]
*Cacao Crunch
Taza sells a variety of chocolates in bars and discs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chocosphere.com/Html/Products/taza_chocolate.html |title= Taza Chocolate – U.S.A. |publisher= Chocosphere |accessdate=August 16, 2012}}</ref>
*Coconut
*Coconut Almond
*Espresso Buzz
*Maple Pecan
*Deliciously Dark
*Raspberry Crunch
*Sea Salt Almond
*Toffee, Almond & Sea Salt
*Seriously Dark
*Wicked Dark w/ Coconut
*Wicked Dark w/ Ginger
*Wicked Dark w/ Toasted Quinoa


'''Chocolate Covered Treats:''' Almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts covered in stone ground dark chocolate
The Origin bars include:
*Bolivian 87% Dark Bar – 87% Cocoa
*Dominican 80% Dark Bar – 80% Cocoa
*Dominican 70% Dark Bar – 70% Cocoa
*Dominican 60% Dark Bar – 60% Cocoa
*Belizean 77% Dark Bar – 77% Cocoa


'''Chocolate Mexicano Discs:''' Rustic, organic dark Mexican style chocolate discs
The Amaze bars include:
*Cacao Puro
*95% Wicked Dark - 95% Cocoa
*85% Super Dark
*Cacao Nib Crunch – 80% Cocoa
*Chipotle Chili
*Coconut – 70% Cocoa
*Cinnamon
*Raspberry Nib Crunch – 60% Cocoa
*Coffee
*Sea Salt & Almond – 80% Cocoa
*Guajillo Chili
*Toffee, Almond & Sea Salt - 60% Cocoa
*Salted Almond
*Vanilla


'''Origin Bars:''' Minimally processed stone ground bar
The Tazitos Minibars include:
*70% Dark Dominican Republic
*Almond Crunch – 65% Cocoa
*80% Dark Dominican Republic
*Coconut Crunch – 65% Cocoa
*87% Dark Bolivia
*Crispy Crunch – 65% Cocoa
*Hazelnut Crunch – 65% Cocoa

The discs include:
*85% Super Dark Mexicano Discs – 85% Cocoa
*Cacao Puro Chocolate Mexicano Discs – 70% Cocoa
*Chipotle Chili Chocolate Mexicano Discs – 70% Cocoa
*Cinnamon Chocolate Mexicano Discs – 50% Cocoa
*Coffee Chocolate Mexicano Discs – 55% Dark Cocoa
*Guajillo Chili Chocolate Mexicano Discs – 50% Cocoa
*Salted Almond Chocolate Mexicano Discs – 40% Cocoa
*Vanilla Bean Chocolate Mexicano Discs – 50% Cocoa

Other items include:
*Chocolate Covered Hazelnuts
*Chocolate Covered Almonds
*Chocolate Covered Cashews
*Taza Dark 87% Baking Squares – 87% Cocoa
*Taza Dark 80% Baking Squares – 80% Cocoa
*Taza Dark 70% Baking Squares – 70% Cocoa
*Taza Dark 60% Baking Squares – 60% Cocoa
*Chocolate-Covered Cacao Nibs Canister
*Roasted Cacao Nibs Canister
*Chocolate Covered Cocoa Nibs Bag


==See also==
==See also==
{{portal|Drink}}
{{portal|Drink}}
* [[List of chocolate beverages]]
* [[List of chocolate drinks|List of chocolate drink]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references/>


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.tazachocolate.com Taza Chocolate]
*[http://www.tazachocolate.com Official website]



{{Chocolate beverages}}
{{Chocolate beverages}}


[[Category:Chocolateries]]
[[Category:American chocolate companies]]
[[Category:Chocolate companies]]
[[Category:Organic chocolate]]
[[Category:Companies based in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Companies based in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Confectionery companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies established in 2006]]
[[Category:Companies established in 2006]]
[[Category:Mexican chocolate]]
[[Category:Mexican chocolate]]
[[Category:Chocolate para Mesa]]
[[Category:Brand name chocolate]]
[[Category:Brand name chocolate]]
[[Category:American companies established in 2006]]
[[Category:2006 establishments in Massachusetts]]

Latest revision as of 13:25, 30 June 2023

Taza Chocolate
Company typePrivate
IndustryFood and Confectionery Manufacturers
Founded2005
FoundersAlex Whitmore, Kathleen Fulton, and Larry Slotnick[1]
HeadquartersSomerville, Massachusetts, US
ProductsStone Ground Origin Bars, Amaze Bars, Chocolate Mexicano Discs, Chocolate Covered Treats, Tazitos Minibars, Baking Products
Websitewww.tazachocolate.com

Taza Chocolate is a Mexican-inspired stoneground, organic chocolate manufacturer based in Somerville, Massachusetts, United States. The factory was founded by Alex Whitmore in 2005 and is home to over 40 different products that can be found in 2,800 retail stores across the country.[2]

Samples at Taza Chocolate Factory

History

[edit]

Alex Whitmore founded Taza Chocolate in 2005 after a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, where he first encountered stone ground chocolate.[3]

After building out a factory space in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 2006, Whitmore acquired a mix of traditional and vintage machinery, including stone mills from Oaxaca,[4] an Italian winnower from Dominican Republic, and a Barth Sirocco roaster from Italy.[5][third-party source needed] The cacao beans were initially bought from brokers, but Whitmore later traveled through Central and South America and the Caribbean in search of farmers who could work directly with him. Whitmore and his co-founder and wife, Kathleen Fulton, have maintained a Direct Trade relationship with every cacao grower from where they source the cacao beans.

Taza Chocolate is sold across the United States and in certain countries abroad.

Direct trade process

[edit]

Taza Chocolate uses Certified USDA organic, non-GMO cacao. The company has developed Direct Trade relationships with small certified organic cacao growers. These trade relationships are between the company and the grower without intermediaries. Taza Chocolate pays them more than the Fair Trade minimum price for cacao.[6]

Products

[edit]
Taza Chocolate Oaxacan Sampler Discs

Taza sells a variety of chocolates in bars and discs, including:[7]

The Amaze Bars: Stone ground chocolate combined with other flavors

  • Wicked Dark
  • Cacao Crunch
  • Coconut
  • Coconut Almond
  • Espresso Buzz
  • Maple Pecan
  • Deliciously Dark
  • Raspberry Crunch
  • Sea Salt Almond
  • Toffee, Almond & Sea Salt
  • Seriously Dark
  • Wicked Dark w/ Coconut
  • Wicked Dark w/ Ginger
  • Wicked Dark w/ Toasted Quinoa

Chocolate Covered Treats: Almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts covered in stone ground dark chocolate

Chocolate Mexicano Discs: Rustic, organic dark Mexican style chocolate discs

  • Cacao Puro
  • 85% Super Dark
  • Chipotle Chili
  • Cinnamon
  • Coffee
  • Guajillo Chili
  • Salted Almond
  • Vanilla

Origin Bars: Minimally processed stone ground bar

  • 70% Dark Dominican Republic
  • 80% Dark Dominican Republic
  • 87% Dark Bolivia

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Ailworth, Erin. "Taza Chocolate focuses on quality amid growth". bostonglobe.com. The Boston Globe.
  2. ^ Luna, Taryn. "Seven Things You Should Know About Alex Whitmore". bostonglobe.com. The Boston Globe.
  3. ^ "CEO Desk: How Taza Chocolate's founder brought a taste of Mexico to Somerville | Boston.com". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2020-04-29.
  4. ^ Hofherr, Justine (February 23, 2016). "CEO Desk: How Taza Chocolate's founder brought a taste of Mexico to Somerville". Boston.com. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
  5. ^ "The Taza Chocolate Story". tazachocolate.com. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  6. ^ "Beyond fair trade: These bean-to-bar chocolate makers are upping the ante on working with cocoa farmers". Financial Post. December 6, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
  7. ^ "Taza Chocolate – U.S.A." Chocosphere. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
[edit]
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