Ranger Chocolate Co. Hosts Successful First Portland Craft Chocolate Festival Celebrating Local Innovations

Sweet Success at the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival

Ranger Chocolate Co. has announced an overwhelming success for its first-ever Portland Craft Chocolate Festival, which wrapped up this past weekend. The event, a vibrant celebration of local chocolate artistry, attracted close to 2,000 enthusiastic attendees and featured over 30 exhibitors representing the best of the Pacific Northwest's craft chocolate scene.

The festival was hosted at the historic Olympic Mills Building, located in Portland's Industrial Eastside. It brought together chocolate lovers, makers, and industry professionals, creating an atmosphere rich in creativity and community spirit. Over the span of three days, the festival showcased a variety of chocolate makers, confectioners, and local food artisans dedicated to celebrating craft chocolate.

A highlight of the festival was the sold-out VIP event titled “Meet the Makers,” which set the tone for an exciting weekend filled with tastings, discussions, and collaborations. Long lines greeted attendees each morning as they gathered to immerse themselves in the world of artisanal chocolate, a true testament to Portland's growing enthusiasm for this sweet delicacy.

George Domurot, founder of Ranger Chocolate Co. and event organizer, shared his vision for the festival: “I felt our city was missing a festival that has chocolate at its core. And, I wanted this to be by makers, and for makers. The response has been overwhelming—a clear indication that Portland has been waiting for this kind of festival.”

The event provided attendees with an opportunity to engage in guided tastings, live demonstrations, and a lively marketplace featuring a diverse selection of products such as bean-to-bar chocolates, bonbons, artisan confections, spirits, wines, and handmade goods. Participants learned about ethical sourcing, sustainability practices, and the craft behind chocolate making, discovering why Portland is celebrated as a leader in the craft food movement.

In addition to tastings, the festival organized a series of informative panel discussions connecting local makers with industry leaders in retail, business development, and finance. These valuable insights offered mentorship and resources that local brands needed as they sought to expand their reach and impact within the market.

Each festival attendee received a special wooden token to cast their vote for the Top Fan Favorite exhibitor. This year, the top ten favorites reflected the diversity and creativity within the Portland craft chocolate scene:

1. Ranger Chocolate Co.
2. Bees & Beans
3. Creo Chocolate
4. Missionary Chocolates
5. Oregon Bark
6. Stache Chocolate
7. Wildwood Chocolate
8. Portland Caramel Company
9. Sh'mallow
10. SiBEiHO — OMG!

The festival's success was made possible through the collective efforts of community partners, including Prosper Portland and PNC Bank, as well as sponsorships from various reputable food and beverage companies within the region. Domurot expressed excitement for the future, stating, “We’re already looking ahead to next year. The energy and collaboration we experienced confirm that Portland deserves a permanent place on the national craft chocolate map.”

The Portland Craft Chocolate Festival celebrates not just the taste but the artistry and innovation of bean-to-bar chocolate makers and artisan confectioners. It connects the local community with retailers, growers, and chocolate enthusiasts through education, interactive experiences, and shared passion for quality chocolate. As Portland continues to establish itself as a capital of craft chocolate, events like this play an essential role in fostering community and supporting local artisans.

For more details about the festival and updates on future events, visit pdxccf.com or contact Ranger Chocolate Co. to stay informed about the sweet happenings in the craft chocolate scene.