Chocs ‘N Boxes Chocolates, founded by Gerardo and Sailyn Dean in 2021, has become a recognized name in the world of premium artisanal chocolate. Rooted in their Filipino heritage, the Deans have built a brand that combines sustainability, tradition, and innovation. By sourcing organic cacao directly from their family farm in Samar, Philippines, Chocs ‘N Boxes brings unique, hand-crafted confections to life, delighting chocolate lovers worldwide. Their commitment to both quality and environmental responsibility has earned them numerous awards in the International Chocolate Awards, solidifying their place as leaders in the chocolate industry.

With a mission to honor their heritage while setting new standards in sustainable chocolate production, Chocs ‘N Boxes creates chocolates that tell a story. From their farm-to-bar process to their innovative flavor combinations, the company is redefining what it means to make chocolate that is not only delicious but also ethical.

From Farm to Chocolate Bar: Sustainability at the Heart of Chocs ‘N Boxes

Photo Courtesy: ALEGRE DE PILIPINAS CREATIVES

The story of Chocs ‘N Boxes begins on the family’s cacao farm, Apoy Benit’s Cacao Agricultural Farming, located in the lush, green mountains of Calbayog City, Philippines. The region’s rich soil, ample rainfall, and cool mountain air create the ideal conditions for growing high-quality cacao beans. The farm operates under the strict guidelines of the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) and is registered with the Bureau of Fisheries and Agriculture Standards (BAFS). This commitment to organic farming ensures that the cacao beans are grown without harmful chemicals or pesticides.

The farm employs innovative, sustainable farming practices such as vermiculture, where organic waste is converted into nutrient-rich vermicast fertilizer to nourish the cacao trees. Additionally, a homemade bio-organic foliar spray, made from seaweeds, fish amino acid, and molasses, is used to stimulate the trees’ growth and fruit production naturally. This hands-on approach to organic farming reflects the Deans’ deep respect for the environment and their desire to provide consumers with the highest quality cacao possible.

Once the cacao pods are harvested, the beans are fermented and dried on the farm before being shipped directly to the Chocs ‘N Boxes shop in Norridge, Illinois. This direct connection from farm to production allows the company to maintain complete control over the quality of their ingredients, ensuring that every chocolate they produce is made from the finest organic cacao.

Award-Winning Creations: A Testament to Innovation

Since its inception, Chocs ‘N Boxes has consistently received recognition for its inventive and high-quality confections. Their journey into the competitive world of chocolate-making was marked by a series of wins at the 2021-22 International Chocolate Awards – AMERICAS, where they received Silver medals for their Calamansi Caramel Bonbon and Bahandi 40% Milk Chocolate, and a Bronze for their Caramelized Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Dragee. The Calamansi Bonbon, with its unique blend of tangy calamansi citrus and smooth caramel, went on to secure a Bronze at the 2022 World Finals.

The following year, Chocs ‘N Boxes continued their winning streak with Silver awards for their Pili Nut – Dates Squared Praline, Blueberry Compote Lychee Ganache, and Hamili 50% Dark Milk Chocolate Bar. Their Kape Krunch Coffee & Pili Nuts Milk Chocolate Bar and 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange Peel Bar earned Bronze medals. The standout Pili Nut – Dates Pralines further cemented their reputation by winning Silver at the 2023 World Finals in Florence, Italy.

These accolades reflect not only the creativity behind each recipe but also the meticulous attention to detail in crafting chocolates that blend traditional Filipino flavors with modern techniques. Chocs ‘N Boxes takes pride in introducing global audiences to Filipino ingredients like pili nuts, calamansi, and local coffee beans, creating a sensory experience that connects consumers to the culture and heritage of the Philippines.

Crafting Chocolate with Innovation and Tradition

Photo Courtesy: ALEGRE DE PILIPINAS CREATIVES

What sets Chocs ‘N Boxes apart is their ability to combine the rich flavors of the Philippines with cutting-edge chocolate-making techniques. Their award-winning creations, such as the Kape Krunch Coffee & Pili Nuts Milk Chocolate Bar and the Blueberry Compote Lychee Ganache, showcase the boldness of their flavor pairings. The balance of creamy milk chocolate with the crunch of pili nuts and the aromatic punch of local coffee beans has made the Kape Krunch a fan favorite. Meanwhile, the combination of tart blueberry and sweet lychee in a decadent ganache demonstrates their dedication to pushing the boundaries of flavor and texture.

At the Chocs ‘N Boxes shop in Norridge, Illinois, visitors can watch as these chocolates are crafted by hand. The team’s passion for their work is evident in every detail, from the precision in tempering the chocolate to the careful layering of flavors. By offering customers a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process, Chocs ‘N Boxes fosters a deeper connection between the consumer and the product, allowing them to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each bite.

A Future Built on Heritage and Sustainability

Chocs ‘N Boxes Chocolates is more than a chocolate company; it is a representation of Gerardo and Sailyn Dean’s dedication to preserving their Filipino heritage while embracing the future of sustainable, ethical food production. Their award-winning chocolates are a testament to the fact that quality and sustainability can go hand in hand. By controlling every step of the process—from growing and harvesting the cacao beans to crafting the final product in their shop—Chocs ‘N Boxes ensures that their chocolates are made with the highest standards of care, both for the environment and for the people who enjoy them.

As the company continues to expand its product line and receive international recognition, the Deans remain committed to their core values of sustainability, innovation, and quality. For those seeking chocolates that offer a rich and unique flavor experience while supporting ethical farming practices, Chocs ‘N Boxes is a brand that delivers on both taste and integrity.

Published by: Holy Minoza