From bean to bar with Fjorden Sjokolade

Based in the quiet, picturesque area of Hafrsfjord, Stavanger, award-winning, family-run chocolate maker Fjorden Sjokolade aims to showcase the beauty of handcrafted, ethically produced chocolate, one bar at a time.

Bite into a rich, creamy milk chocolate bar from Fjorden Sjokolade, and you might find yourself transported to some mysterious jungle on the warmer side of the planet, where cacao beans hang from tall trees like glorious promises. This version of a chocolate adventure sounds like something straight out of a Roald Dahl book, but as it turns out, all it takes to dive head-first into the world of cacao is one single taste.

In 2011, Kjell Inge Vestre attended a confectionary course that ignited his passion for chocolate. Shortly afterwards, he tasted his first true bean-to-bar chocolate. For him, it was like tasting fine wine or coffee – complex, nuanced, and absolutely captivating.

“I was instantly hooked. It became a hobby that consumed much of my spare time, but after 25 years in the healthcare industry, I decided to take a leap of faith,” says Vestre.

Swapping patient care for cacao beans, he founded Fjorden Sjokolade in 2023. While still new, Fjorden Sjokolade is already putting Norway on the map for top-tier, ethically crafted chocolate. Just in its first year, the company started racking up prestigious international awards, both at the Academy of Chocolate Awards in London and the Craft Chocolat Challenge in the US.

“The unique thing about chocolate is that every bean, depending on where they’re grown and the cacao farmer, has its very own unique taste,” says Vestre. “We’re very careful about where we get our beans from, working closely with our cacao supplier to ensure that they’re the best in quality and taste, as well as ensuring that our products support better working conditions for the farmers. That way, we give consumers a tasty, ethical, and sustainable option in an industry where that’s not always the case.”

Family at Gladmat in Stavanger. Photo: Fjorden sjokolade

One of Fjorden Sjokolade’s standout creations this year celebrates Stavanger’s 900th anniversary, blending local tomatoes (yes, tomatoes!) with rich chocolate. The result? A surprising yet delightful combo that tastes just like the area.

Tomato chocolate might not be for everyone, but whether you’re looking for unique or prefer the classics, Fjorden Sjokolade has something for everyone’s palate.
“Our goal is to change how people think about chocolate,” Vestre says.

By prioritising sustainability, fair trade, and quality, his company is not just creating a premium product, but also fostering a better future for cocoa farmers around the globe.

Web: www.fjordensjokolade.no
Instagram: @fjordensjokolade
Facebook: Fjorden Sjokolade