We are a company located in Essex, Vermont, dedicated to making delicious chocolate and other treats. For our founder, chocolatier Anne Ambrose, this means using only the finest organic ingredients, incorporating a harmonious blend of rich flavors and smooth textures.
Anne learned her trade as part of a three-year apprenticeship program in Switzerland. Her introduction into the world of confectioneries was a springboard to working with leaders in the field. Early in 1993 she brought that expertise back to Vermont and Pandaisia Chocolates was born.
We believe that fresh chocolate is the best chocolate. Preservatives change the texture and flavor of chocolate. For the best results, our chocolates should be consumed within a few days of purchase. Store them in a cool, dark place at a temperature of 60° to 70° such as a refrigerator or wine cellar.
Chocolate has a bad reputation because of the poor quality of mass-produced bars loaded with lots of milk, sugar, and butter — which are tasty but not healthy. We start with organic ingredients, keep the processed sugars to a minimum and produce dark chocolate that is 73% cacao. At that level, you can reap the benefits of a chocolate diet!
We believe in single-origin chocolate made from one variety of cacao harvested from a single region. Single-origin chocolates take on the unique flavors of their region (in the same way that wines adopt regional distinctions.) Other chocolatiers use blends that combine flavors from several regions. Let us know what you prefer.
We work directly with farmers in Peru, Ecuador, and Honduras, where we learn first-hand about the economic struggles they face. We pay above-market premiums to maintain our relationships and support Fair Trade agreements. We're always striving to foster a sustainable market for fine chocolate and to support the hard-working men and women that produce it.
Do you do weddings? Yes! That's our favorite thing to do. We sell bulk chocolates in a wide variety of box designs perfect for weddings or other special occasions. How long do your chocolates last? We recommend that you store our chocolates in a dark, cool place and consume them within two weeks of purchase. What varieties are you selling? We're constantly updating our product list to match seasonal expectations. Typically we have between 12 and 18 varieties at any one time. Can I customize my own box? Of course! We have special gift boxes but if you want to create a box of your favorites, we're glad to oblige. Can I request a special variety? We're happy to consider requests, but remember that some varieties are seasonal and cannot always be made to order. What about peanut allergies? We can produce box sets without nuts, but our factory is not a nut-free environment, so some fragments might get into your box however much we try to avoid it. How much is shipping? Rates vary based on the size of the order and the destination. Typically we charge between $10 and $15 for 2nd-day delivery. Do you ship outside of the United States? We can ship to Canada and parts of Mexico; however given the effect of extended travel on our product's quality, we do not generally ship to countries or states that are farther away than that. Where is Pandaisia? Glad you asked. Pandaisia is not a place; it's the name of the Greek goddess of the banquet and what's a banquet without chocolate?
