Highlights from the International Chocolate Salon April 2024

International Chocolate Salon photo credit Lee Sherman

The saying, "You snooze, you lose" definitely applies to chocolate. The International Chocolate Salon has built a loyal audience that shows up early for the best access to chocolatiers and special limited edition treats or specials, even on a sleepy spring Sunday morning.

On April 7th, 2024 the event celebrated its 16th anniversary in San Francisco at the Golden Gate Park, County Fair Building Hall of Flowers (the Salon originated in San Francisco but it has since expanded to Los Angeles and Sacramento).The consumer-facing Salon, which takes place in the spring and the fall featured some old favorites with lots of fans as well as some new exhibitors who were busy offering samples of their confections. We saw lots of old friends, tried lots of treats, and splurged on bars and confections for ourselves and a few deserving loved ones. Here are some highlights.

Aaron Pollard of Amano photo credit Lee Sherman

We're always glad to catch up with Amano Artisan Chocolate founder Art Pollard and his son Aaron who also works for the company. We chatted about what was going on in the industry, who was at the show and a special project Art is working on that doesn't have to do with chocolate. Favorite bars include the flavored Raspberry Rose Dark Chocolate bar and Japanese Sea Salt & Cocoa Nibs Milk Chocolate bar. Read more about Art Pollard and Amano Artisan Chocolate. 

Jeff Mall of Volo photo credit Lee Sherman

Next to Amano was Volo Chocolate, another favorite maker we profiled several years ago. We are particularly fond of their 65% Mocha bar made with Wolf Coffee. We also indulged in a 62% Olive Oil and Roasted Almonds bar. Both bars are made from cacao sourced from Pisa, Haiti. Read more about Volo Chocolate.

Team at Bon Fiction photo credit Lee Sherman

There were 2 chocolatiers from India at the event. It was our second time chatting with Akhil Grandhi, who we met at the previous Salon in the fall. We first learned about his brand Bon Fiction from contributor Rashmi Gopal Rao who wrote about craft chocolate in India. After trying his bars we convinced Rao to profile Bon Fiction. We purchased a couple of "tree-to-table" bars, Lost in an Orange Haze, a 64% bar with dark chocolate, candied orange peel and cinnamon and also the Beatles-esque named A Rose in Pisatchio Skies, a 55% dark chocolate bar with pistachio and rose. The brand also was offering sets of 4 mini bars, we were kindly gifted a set which included The Coconut Covenant, The Federation of Odd, Out in the Dark and The Mango Menace and look forward to trying them all. Read more about Bon Fiction. 

Pascati Chocolate photo credit Lee Sherman

The other chocolatier from India was Pascati. India's first certified organic, FairTrade chocolate with local distribution. After trying a sample we purchased a 4 pack so we could try the Blueberry Walnut Dark, the Raspberry & Hibiscus Dark, Passion Fruit & Almond Dark and Orange Cinnamon Hazelnut Dark bars. 

Socola chocolates photo credit Lee Sherman

It's always a treat to see Wendy Lieu of Socola, a local confectioner who has always used the flavors of Vietnam to express her culture in chocolate. One bite of her irresistible Raspberry Almond Dragees and we simply had to buy 2 bags! There is always something new or new-to-me at Socola to marvel at. Looking for a durian chocolate bar? They’ve got it! Read more about Wendy and Socola. 

Carol Gancia of Kokak Chocolates photo credit Lee Sherman

Another favorite of ours is Kokak Chocolates also focuses on Asian flavors. Founder Carol Gancia  is from the Philippines and she told us she is gearing up with special boxes of bon bons for Mother's Day and for Pride. Her shop is a must visit in the Castro District. On Sunday she was sampling her luscious calamani ganache. Read more about Carol Gancia and Kokak Chocolates.

Sampling Deux Cranes photo credit Lee Sherman

A maker that has been around since 2018 but was nevertheless new to us was Deux Cranes. Founded by French-trained Chocolatier Michiko Marron-Kibbey, their exquisite chocolate confections express Japanese culture in a modern way and are made in nearby Los Gatos. Marron-Kibbey uses flavors including matcha, sesame and hojicha. We look forward to trying more from Deux Cranes, and visiting the shop.