They may not be making chocolate from bean to bar, but these chocolatiers are passionate about delivering consumers an authentic artisanal experience.

Nevertheless, what propelled Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, and the countless other large and small chocolate companies that followed, was timing. First, there was a willingness by well-traveled and monied consumers to seek out tastes experienced abroad, namely richer, more finely conched and more flavorful chocolates. Second, thanks to the interest in organic and all-natural offerings, younger consumers sought out more exotic and adventurous taste experiences.