As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Magno Chocolates stands out as a shining example for its of the rich culinary traditions and artisanal craftsmanship that, in many respects, define the culture. Known handcrafted chocolates, Magno Chocolates has managed to carve a niche for itself by blending premium, top-quality ingredients, and a passion for the craft.
Magno Chocolates is a woman-owned brand that is, simply put, revolutionizing the chocolate experience, resulting in products that are available in both the U.S. and Colombia, sold through a curated selection of high-end retailers and specialty shops.
At the heart of this chocolate empire is Nataly Nicholls, the entrepreneur and accomplished chocolatier. Drawing inspiration from Colombia’s world-renowned “Fino de Aroma” cocoa and her mother’s artistic influence, Nataly has created chocolates that are as captivating in appearance as they are delicious.
The Colombian cocoa used by Magno Chocolates was recently crowned the best in the world at the ‘Cocoa of Excellence’ competition in Amsterdam.
Nicholls’ Journey
Born in Colombia, Nicholls was immersed in a culture rich with cocoa traditions. Colombia is home to some of the world’s finest cocoa beans, and Nicholls was inspired by the renowned “Fino de Aroma” cocoa, celebrated for its fruity, floral, and nutty flavor profile. She combined this heritage with her love for art, passed down from her mother, to create Magno Chocolates.
Her passion for chocolate wasn’t just about creating sweets; it was about crafting experiences. Each piece of chocolate tells a story – one that is deeply rooted in her culture and enhanced by her artistic touch, which has positioned Magno Chocolates as a leading brand in the premium chocolate category.
“All of them come with an inspiration and a story to tell. We do an artistic representation of these inspirations through each chocolate design,” Nicholls said.
The Art of Crafting Premium Chocolate
Nicholls’ process begins with the careful selection of cocoa beans, sourced directly from Colombian farmers. The brand fosters direct relationships with farmers, ensuring that the beans are ethically sourced, of the highest quality, and cultivated using sustainable practices.
Colombia’s Fino de Aroma cocoa is one of the country’s prized agricultural exports, recognized globally for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor that’s both rare and represents just 8% of the world’s cocoa production.
“In Colombia 90% of our cocoa is fine flavor cocoa. So, a majority of our cocoa is very premium”, Nicholls noted.
The chocolate-making process is meticulous and labor-intensive. Magno Chocolates avoids preservatives and artificial additives to ensure that each piece is a pure, indulgent experience.
“At Magno, we see chocolate as more than just a trade. For us, it’s a form of art in all the senses. Not only how they look, also the way that we create them,” Nicholls said.
“Our philosophy is simple – we bring chocolate to life by blending authentic flavors with meticulous craftsmanship.”
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Magno Chocolates supports initiatives like “The Chocolate Dream,” which aids Colombian cocoa farming families by promoting environmental stewardship and ethical sourcing practices. Through this initiative, Magno Chocolates ensures fair wages and helps improve the livelihoods of those in the cocoa supply chain.
As a woman-founded enterprise, Magno Chocolates also champions gender equity, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth for its team members. The company strives to foster an environment in which women thrive.
Magno Chocolates is more than a brand – it’s a celebration of art, flavor, and cultural heritage.
