Meet Denise Castronovo | Chocolate Maker and Conservationist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Castronovo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise, how does your business help the community?
At Castronovo Chocolate, we’re dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. We source our cocoa beans directly from indigenous communities in Latin America, ensuring high standards that contribute to rainforest protection and cultural preservation. What sets us apart is our direct sourcing approach – we work closely with indigenous communities, establishing relationships that go beyond business transactions.

This past year when visiting the Arhuacos, an indigenous tribe in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta of Colombia, I learned about their spiritual work to keep the balance of Mother Earth. In order to conduct this work, they need to re-acquire their ancestral territory and develop sustainable livelihoods to earn income. They expressed an interest in starting to make chocolate, so we raised money from the proceeds of Castronovo Chocolate to purchase chocolate manufacturing equipment for them.

I believe in sharing the unique stories behind each chocolate bar, sourced from wild and heirloom cacao varieties. Our goal is to make a meaningful contribution by fostering conservation, supporting communities, and celebrating the rich environments that inspire our creations.
 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Almost all chocolate in the world is manufactured by 20 behemoth companies and a complex supply chain. Being in control of the entire process of manufacturing chocolate from cacao bean sourcing to the final product puts me in a privileged place. Over the past decade I write up notes on each batch we make, from the the incoming cacao beans, to the roasting profile, and then the grinding process. I note the aroma of the cacao and the final flavor notes of each batch.

What brings joy is observing customers entering our shop and discovering the distinct flavors of dark chocolate, each batch reflecting the origin of the cacao and my tailored approach. It’s fascinating to witness how different batches complement various wines or spirits, but above all, the most gratifying moments are when people share how they seek comfort and solace in our chocolate.

The cacao beans I am most proud of come from the Sierra Nevada region of Colombia, the worlds tallest coastal and glacial mountain with all of the Earth’s biomes on it. There is remarkable cacao harvested from the forest there and my work with it has won the 2016 World Gold award from the International Chocolate Awards, and the 2019 Golden Bean, or best in show, from the Academy of Chocolate. This recognition is not just about our chocolate; it’s a celebration of the remarkable quality of the cacao itself. I take pride in contributing to the acknowledgment of this unique cacao in the world of specialty chocolate.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite place to visit in Miami is the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, an 83 acre garden of tropical plants. When I walk the garden I make sure to look up into the tree canopies. There you find magnificent trees that are ecosystems in themselves lush with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and lianas. For me, it is so peaceful. I love to bring my camera and shoot closeups of exotic flowers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, here is a Shoutout to The Amazon Conservation Team (ACT)! ACT is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous people. Founded in 1996, ACT operates with the goal of preserving the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Amazon basin through a holistic approach to conservation. In 2023, I had the privilege of being appointed to its Board of Directors. It is a significant honor to contribute to their mission and work alongside dedicated individuals committed to environmental preservation and the well-being of indigenous communities in the Amazon basin.

Website: www.CastronovoChocolate.com

Instagram: CastronovoChocolate

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-castronovo-1818695/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CastronovoChoc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CastronovoChocolate

Image Credits
James Castronovo