Taza Chocolate

Taza Chocolate is an American craft chocolate manufacturer based in Somerville, Massachusetts, specializing in stone ground, minimally processed chocolate made from 100% organic, Direct Trade Certified cacao. Founded in 2005 by Alex Whitmore and his wife Kathleen Fulton, the company was inspired by traditional Mexican stone-milled chocolate encountered during travels in Oaxaca, Mexico. Whitmore learned to hand-carve granite mill stones — known as molinos — and established a bean-to-bar chocolate factory that remains committed to preserving the natural complexity of cacao through minimal processing techniques.

The company produces a distinctive line of bold, rustic chocolate products characterized by a uniquely gritty texture that sets them apart from conventionally refined chocolates. Product offerings include chocolate bars, oat milk chocolate bars, bundled gift sets, and hot chocolate preparations, with varieties such as Coffee Toffee Crunch Oat Milk Chocolate among its lineup. The use of traditional stone milling methods preserves the bright, fruity flavor profiles inherent in high-quality cacao beans, delivering an eating experience unlike mass-market chocolate products.

Taza Chocolate is a pioneer in ethical and transparent cacao sourcing. The company created the chocolate industry's first third-party certified Direct Trade Cacao Certification program, establishing direct relationships with cacao farmers and paying premiums above Fair Trade pricing. This program ensures quality, supply chain transparency, and fair labor practices, explicitly rejecting predatory middlemen and abusive labor conditions. The company partners exclusively with cacao producers who uphold workers' rights and environmental stewardship.

All cacao used in production is certified organic and sourced through the company's proprietary Direct Trade program. These certifications and sourcing commitments position Taza as a premium, values-driven brand within the specialty chocolate segment. The company operates its manufacturing entirely in-house at its Somerville, MA facility, maintaining full bean-to-bar control over the production process. Taza serves both direct-to-consumer retail channels and wholesale markets, appealing to specialty food buyers, natural food retailers, and gift market buyers seeking differentiated, ethically sourced chocolate products.