Get a glimpse into Seattle chocolate love and its chocolate makers tradition.
What is the History Behind Seattle's Chocolate Tradition?
The early history of chocolate in Seattle is tied to the growth of the city itself. As Seattle grew into a major port city in the early 1900s, it became a hub for importing and exporting goods, including cocoa beans.
In 1917, the Seattle Chocolate Company was founded by a group of entrepreneurs, who saw an opportunity to bring high-quality chocolate to the Pacific Northwest. The company quickly became a local favorite, with its signature Seattle Mint and Rainy Day Bars becoming iconic treats in the region.
The Rise of Chocolate Makers in Seattle
Throughout the 20th century, Seattle continued to be a center for chocolate production and innovation.
In the 1940s, the iconic See's Candies opened its first store in the city, and it remains a popular destination for chocolate lovers today.
In the 1980s, Theo Chocolate was founded in Seattle, becoming one of the first bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the United States. The company quickly gained a reputation for its ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.
Seattle's Chocolate Boom: The Emergence of Artisanal Makers
In recent years, Seattle's chocolate scene has continued to evolve and grow. A number of small-batch chocolate makers and artisans, like us at Wild Peaks Chocolates, have opened in the Seattle Area, offering unique and innovative flavor combinations and techniques.
Here at Wild Peaks Chocolates, we specialize in bringing the French praliné tradition to the PNW with our chocolate bonbons and bars.
Other artisan chocolate makers include Fran's Chocolates, which was founded in Seattle in 1982, is now a nationally recognized brand, known for its artisanal chocolates and caramels.
Other notable chocolate brands in Seattle include indi chocolate, jcoco, and Chocolate Vitale.
Chocolate Festivals and Salons hosted in Seattle
Make sure your mark your calendar as Seattle also hosts several chocolate events and festivals throughout the year, including the Northwest Chocolate Festival and the Seattle Chocolate Salon. These events bring together chocolate makers and enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the industry (Make sure you taste our Awards-winning chocolate bars)
As you can see (and maybe smell), the history of chocolate in Seattle is a story of innovation, creativity, and community. With its many talented chocolatiers and chocolate makers, Seattle is sure to remain a destination for chocolate lovers for years to come, so make sure you book a chocolate food tour next time you visit "Chocolate city".