When you spend decades immersed in the world of craft chocolate, you start to recognize that the real magic doesn’t just happen in the tempering room or on the tasting table. It happens when people come together who care deeply about the same things — heritage, craftsmanship, ethics, and flavor. This year’s Northwest Chocolate Festival in Bellevue, Washington, reminded us of exactly that.
It was an honor to represent both Caputo’s Market & Deli and A Priori Specialty Foods in multiple ways: Yelena spoke on a powerful panel about Retail and Distribution of Chocolate, I helped judge the Best in Show Awards, and I joined the Keynote Panel on Values in Business. But what stayed with us most was the human connection — the hugs, the conversations, the friendships that continue to shape the future of chocolate.
Reunion and Family at the Heart of Chocolate
Caterina Gallo, Matt & Yelena Caputo
Seeing the Luisa Abram family is always emotional for us. Yelena and Luisa’s father, André, share a kind of unspoken kinship — his warmth and wisdom remind her of her own father. Every time we meet, André shares stories about newly discovered wild cacao from the Brazilian Amazon, his eyes bright with curiosity and hope. This time was no different, and those few minutes together felt like reconnecting with our purpose.
Another joyous reunion with Maxime and Elfi of Qantu, complete with hugs, laughter, and shared excitement for what’s ahead. We picked up some of their new limited-edition bars, their winter drinking chocolate, and made plans to visit their soon-to-open shop in Montreal.
Another unforgettable moment came when we finally met Caterina Gallo, known throughout the chocolate world as The Chocolate Ambassador. The photos say it all — Caterina greeting Yelena and me like long-lost relatives, the kind of embrace that defines this remarkable community.
Craft, Collaboration, and Enduring Friendships
Luisa Abram & fam w/their award-winning white choc
Catching up with Adam and Dustin from Dick Taylor Chocolate was another highlight. Their brand continues to grow, but what never changes is their humility and relentless drive to improve. Few artisans manage to expand while still elevating their craft the way they do.
At the Fu Wan booth, we were greeted like family. Warren and his team were overjoyed to see us, and we were equally impressed by their speed and professionalism in preparing our new order. They also unveiled several new bars with striking packaging and intriguing flavor combinations — items that will no doubt thrill Caputo’s customers when they arrive on our shelves soon.
And one of our favorite moments of all: Luisa Abram’s White Chocolate with Passion Fruit earned one of the festival’s 12 Best in Show Awards — a well-deserved honor for one of the most gifted chocolate makers in the world.
Leadership and Recognition
As always, Yelena was a force on her panel about chocolate retail and distribution. Her insights into how independent retailers and chocolate makers can work together to build sustainable growth sparked thoughtful discussion among some of the industry’s top minds.
For my part, judging the Best in Show Awards was a genuine privilege. The quality, creativity, and integrity on display were inspiring, and it reaffirmed just how strong and diverse the craft chocolate movement has become.
During the Keynote Panel on Values in Business, I shared what brings me the most joy in my work — seeing the moment when our crew connects their hard work to a tangible victory in addressing global challenges. The audience response was overwhelming and deeply humbling, a reminder of how many people share our belief that great food can also do great good.
Discovery and the Future of Craft Chocolate
Among all the extraordinary chocolate we tasted, one discovery stood out. We met a chocolate maker from a country we have never imported from before — someone whose artistry left us completely captivated. It’s rare to be surprised after tasting thousands of samples each year, but this chocolate did exactly that. Prepare your tastebuds for its arrival to our shelves in 2026.
That discovery also framed an important conversation over dinner with some of our dearest friends Domantas and Giedre Uzpalis of Chocolate Naive. One of the primary reasons we traveled to Washington was to get facetime with both of them. Like food for the soul. While much of the market’s energy has shifted toward inclusions, flavors, and confections, our discussion turned to something more foundational — a return to legendary cacao origins, handled by artisans who transform rare beans into classically transcendent dark chocolate. That pursuit — the quiet perfection of a pure bar that captures a place and a moment — is what pulled me down this rabbit hole in the first place.
Reflection and Renewal
Our one night in Bellevue was full: drinks at the FCIA reception, lively conversations with friends old and new, and a fascinating discussion with Professor Romi Burks about cacao value chains and emerging players. By the time we had to leave the show floor on Saturday afternoon, we were filled with energy and gratitude.
We left Bellevue galvanized — reminded that craft chocolate is still one of the most beautiful intersections of ethics, flavor, and human connection on Earth. And we came home ready to carry that inspiration forward at Caputo’s and A Priori, continuing to champion the makers, farmers, and dreamers who make it all possible.
Explore artisan bars from our featured partners: Luisa Abram, Fu Wan, Dick Taylor, Chocolate Naive, and Qantu.
Join us at our next tasting or educational experience by visiting the Caputo’s Classes & Events page → caputos.com/events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Northwest Chocolate Festival?
The Northwest Chocolate Festival is one of the world’s premier gatherings for craft chocolate makers, cacao farmers, importers, retailers, and chocolate enthusiasts, focusing on education, sustainability, and artisan craftsmanship.
Which chocolate makers were featured at the 2025 festival?
Caputo’s reconnected with several world-class makers including Luisa Abram Chocolate, Fu Wan Chocolate, Dick Taylor Chocolate, Chocolate Naive, and Qantu.
Where can I buy craft chocolate featured at the Northwest Chocolate Festival?
Caputo’s carries a curated selection of award-winning single-origin and craft chocolate bars both online and in-store at all Salt Lake City locations through our direct relationship with A Priori Specialty Foods.