Amano Artisan Chocolate
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food manufacturing, Chocolate production |
| Founded | 2005 in Orem, Utah, United States |
| Founder | Art Pollard |
| Headquarters | Orem , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Bean-to-bar chocolate bars, chocolate coins |
| Website | amanochocolate |
Amano Artisan Chocolate is a United States-based manufacturer specializing in bean-to-bar chocolate, operating out of Orem, Utah.
Etymology
The brand name "Amano" is derived from the Italian term meaning "crafted by hand" and "with love."
History
Established in 2005 by Art Pollard in Orem, Utah, Amano initially sourced rare white cocoa beans from Villahermosa, Mexico. Up until 2015, the company concentrated solely on producing single-origin chocolate varieties.
Corporate affairs
As Utah’s pioneering chocolate producer, Amano’s facility is located at an elevation of 4,774 ft (1,455 m), offering distinctive environmental factors that affect flavor enhancement during the conching process. Additionally, Amano was the first manufacturer in the United States to incorporate the uncommon Venezuelan Chuao bean into its products.
Products
Amano crafts limited-edition chocolate bars utilizing traditional vintage machinery to ensure meticulous control over flavor development. The company employs techniques inspired by Italian and French confectionery practices and uses cocoa solids with a high concentration (70%) sourced from regions including South and Central America, Africa, and Oceania. Certified kosher-dairy by Denver’s Scroll K kashrus agency, Amano also provides one-pound packages of chocolate coins designed for culinary professionals.
Recognition
Amano holds the distinction of being the first American enterprise to receive a Gold award for bean-to-bar dark chocolate at the Academy of Chocolate Awards. In 2009, Martin Christy—founding member of the Academy of Chocolate and editor of SeventyPercent.com—recognized Amano as one of the top eight bean-to-bar chocolate producers globally. It remains the sole American company featured on Christy’s list.