Chocs ‘N Boxes Chocolates, founded by Gerardo and Sailyn Dean in 2021, has quickly risen to prominence as an award-winning artisan chocolate company. Based in the Village of Norridge, IL, this family-run business brings the rich and authentic flavors of organic cacao from their family’s farms on the island of Samar, Philippines, to a global audience. Chocs ‘N Boxes is renowned for its premium-quality, handmade confections, a unique fusion of Filipino heritage, sustainability, and innovative chocolate craftsmanship.
From bean to bar, the company’s process is rooted in a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and tradition. By using cacao beans harvested directly from their family farm, they control every aspect of production, ensuring that their chocolates are not only delicious but also ethically produced. This commitment has earned Chocs ‘N Boxes multiple accolades, including numerous prestigious awards from the International Chocolate Awards, solidifying their position as a leader in the world of artisan chocolate.
A Journey of Awards and Recognition
Chocs ‘N Boxes’ journey to recognition began in 2021 when they entered the International Chocolate Awards – AMERICAS. Their first significant triumph came with their Calamansi Caramel Bonbon, which won a Silver medal, followed by their Bahandi 40% Milk Chocolate and Caramelized Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Dragee, which garnered a Bronze. The Calamansi Bonbon went on to secure a Bronze at the World Finals in 2022, marking the company’s global debut on the world stage.
In 2022-2023, the momentum continued as Chocs ‘N Boxes expanded their repertoire of award-winning confections. Among their notable creations, the Pili Nut – Dates Squared Praline and Blueberry Compote Lychee Ganache earned Silver awards, while the Kape Krunch Coffee & Pili Nuts Milk Chocolate Bar and 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange Peel Bar secured Bronze medals in the AMERICAS competition. The excellence of the Pili Nut – Dates Pralines was further recognized at the World Finals, where it clinched a Silver award in Florence, Italy.
The success of Chocs ‘N Boxes at the International Chocolate Awards from 2021 through 2024 showcases not only their ability to create exquisite, inventive chocolates but also their dedication to maintaining a high standard of quality and flavor in every product. Their creative use of local Filipino ingredients, such as calamansi, pili nuts, and coffee beans, blended with fine chocolate, has set them apart in the international chocolate scene.
The Farm-to-Bar Experience
Photo Courtesy: ALEGRE DE PILIPINAS CREATIVES
The heart of Chocs ‘N Boxes’ success lies in their farm-to-bar approach. Their cacao beans are sourced from Apoy Benit’s Cacao Agricultural Farming, located in the lush forests of Calbayog City, Philippines. This farm is certified by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) and registered with the Bureau of Fisheries and Agriculture Standards (BAFS), ensuring the highest standards of organic and sustainable farming practices.
The region’s rich soil, misty mountain air, and consistent rainfall create the ideal environment for growing cacao. The Deans’ farm uses innovative organic farming techniques, including a vermiculture facility that produces vermicast fertilizer and bio-organic foliar sprays made from seaweeds and fish amino acids. These methods ensure that their cacao trees thrive without the use of harmful pesticides, resulting in high-quality, naturally grown cacao beans.
Once harvested, the beans are fermented and dried on the farm before being shipped directly to the Chocs ‘N Boxes shop in Illinois, where they are crafted into award-winning chocolates. This careful control of the entire process, from cultivation to confection, allows the company to create products that are not only delicious but also ethically produced and sustainable.
Innovation in Chocolate Craftsmanship
What sets Chocs ‘N Boxes apart from other artisan chocolate companies is their ability to marry tradition with innovation. By incorporating unique Filipino ingredients like pili nuts, calamansi, and local coffee beans, they create confections that offer a distinct and flavorful experience. These ingredients, many of which are native to the Philippines, bring a taste of the archipelago to international consumers, expanding the global palate and promoting Filipino food culture.
Their Kape Krunch Coffee & Pili Nuts Milk Chocolate Bar and Blueberry Compote Lychee Ganache are perfect examples of their inventive approach to chocolate making. The bold combination of smooth chocolate with the crunch of pili nuts and the aromatic flavor of local coffee creates a harmonious blend that delights the senses. Similarly, the sweet and tart fusion of blueberry compote and lychee in a rich ganache demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavor.
Chocs ‘N Boxes takes great pride in ensuring that every piece of chocolate reflects their dedication to craftsmanship, flavor, and sustainability. Customers can visit their shop in Norridge, IL, to witness the artistry firsthand as the team handcrafts bonbons, truffles, and other delicacies. Watching the chocolates being made adds to the immersive experience, connecting consumers with the journey of the cacao from farm to final product.
A Sweet Legacy of Sustainability and Flavor
Photo Courtesy: ALEGRE DE PILIPINAS CREATIVES
Chocs ‘N Boxes Chocolates is more than just an award-winning artisan chocolate company—it’s a testament to the power of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Through their farm-to-bar process, they have managed to create chocolates that not only taste exquisite but also honor the environment and the communities involved in production. Their commitment to organic farming, combined with their passion for chocolate artistry, ensures that each bite delivers a taste of the Philippines’ rich agricultural heritage.
As Chocs ‘N Boxes continues to win awards and expand their product offerings, their dedication to quality, sustainability, and flavor remains at the core of their business. For chocolate lovers seeking a unique and ethically produced treat, Chocs ‘N Boxes offers an unparalleled experience that delights the senses and supports the future of sustainable chocolate production.
Published by: Holy Minoza
