Portland, OR – The inaugural Portland Craft Chocolate Festival, meticulously organized by Ranger Chocolate Co., has concluded, marking a significant milestone for the city’s burgeoning craft food scene. The three-day event, held at the historic Olympic Mills Building, drew an impressive nearly 2,000 attendees and featured over 30 exhibitors, all celebrating the art, community, and creativity inherent in fine chocolate making.
A Weekend of Chocolate and Community
The festival, which ran from October 3rd to 5th, 2025, transformed the Olympic Mills Building into a hub for chocolate enthusiasts, makers, and industry professionals. The event kicked off with a sold-out VIP “Meet the Makers” evening, offering an exclusive opportunity for attendees to connect directly with the artisans behind the confections. This was followed by two days of public access, filled with guided tastings, live demonstrations, and a bustling marketplace. Vendors showcased a diverse array of bean-to-bar chocolates, intricate confections, artisanal spirits, wines, and other locally-sourced goods, highlighting the rich culinary landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Attendees actively engaged with the craft, exploring the nuances of ethical sourcing, sustainability, and the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating quality chocolate. The festival provided a platform not just for indulgence, but also for education, fostering a deeper appreciation for the journey from cacao bean to finished bar.
Ranger Chocolate Co.’s Vision Comes to Fruition
George Domurot, founder and CEO of Ranger Chocolate Co., spearheaded the festival with a clear vision: to create a dedicated space for chocolate at the core of Portland’s vibrant food culture. “I felt our city was missing a festival that has chocolate at its core,” Domurot stated. “And, I wanted this to be by makers, and for makers. The reaction was overwhelming — a clear message that Portland has been waiting for this kind of festival.”
Ranger Chocolate Co., established in 2013, has been a pioneer in Portland’s bean-to-bar movement, committed to crafting high-quality chocolate using organic, Fair Trade (or better), and sustainably sourced ingredients. Their mission, “Always Faire Trade — or better,” emphasizes their dedication to ethical and transparent trade practices. The company’s own chocolate bars are a testament to this philosophy, and their presence at the festival underscored their role in championing the craft chocolate movement.
Showcasing Oregon’s Artisanal Talent
The festival served as a premier showcase for the region’s finest chocolatiers and related artisans. Alongside Ranger Chocolate Co., a curated selection of exhibitors, including Bees & Beans, Creo Chocolate, Missionary Chocolates, Oregon Bark, Stache Chocolate, Wildwood Chocolate, Portland Caramel Company, and many others, presented their meticulously crafted products. The event also featured pairings with local coffee, wine, and spirits, demonstrating how chocolate integrates seamlessly with other artisanal beverages and foods found in Portland restaurants and beyond.
The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation from both makers and attendees suggest a powerful and trending demand for artisanal chocolate experiences. The festival highlighted the collaborative spirit within Oregon’s food and beverage community, a key factor in the state’s renowned culinary reputation.
A Sweet Future for Portland’s Chocolate Scene
The overwhelming success of the inaugural Portland Craft Chocolate Festival indicates a significant appetite for craft chocolate within the city and a strong desire to support local makers. Domurot expressed confidence in the event’s future, noting, “We’re already looking ahead to next year. The energy and collaboration we saw this weekend confirm that Portland deserves a permanent place on the national craft chocolate map.”
As the craft chocolate industry continues to grow, events like this festival are crucial for fostering community, driving innovation, and educating consumers. The success of the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival not only celebrates the present achievements of its makers but also lays a sweet foundation for the future of artisanal chocolate in Oregon and beyond.
