Colorado Chocolate Maker Named Among Best In U.S.

DENVER, CO — A Denver chocolatier is among the top 50 finest chocolate makers in the nation, according to a new report by Food & Wine.

Cultura Craft Chocolate, at 3742 Morrison Rd., is the only Colorado chocolate business named on the list.

"Damaris Ronkanen sources sustainably-harvested white cacao from Tabasco state—at the heart of a region with roughly 4,000 uninterrupted years of growing experience—for her intriguing 70% Mexico bars," the Food & Wine editorial board's review read.

"Ronkanen's Mexican drinking chocolate and cacao-infused Cafe de Olla blend were inspired by childhood visits with family in Puebla."

The Latina-owned bean-to-bar chocolate making company has received various national and international awards, including a Good Food Award from the Good Food Foundation for the chocolatier's 70 percent Haiti chocolate bar.

Cultura's Denver café offers a range of hot chocolate, coffees, savory dishes, baked goods, confections, and, of course, packaged chocolate.

Don’t miss the latest news updates in Denver, Boulder, Arvada, Lakewood and Littleton. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Many chocolate companies across the country have been "busier than ever" during the pandemic, Food & Wine's editorial board said.

"Should we be surprised to learn that so many of us found chocolate a comfort, during such a challenging time? Then again, history does repeat itself—after all, it was the Great Depression that gave us so much of the candy we grew up with," the top 50 report read.

You can order Cultura chocolate here.

>> Read the full Food & Wine Best Chocolate in America list here.