The inaugural Portland chocolate festival, meticulously organized by Ranger Chocolate Co., has concluded, marking a significant milestone for the city’s burgeoning craft food scene. This premier Portland chocolate festival, 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, making it a standout among culinary events and a highlight of the Portland food scene.
A Weekend of Chocolate and Community at the Portland Chocolate Festival
The Portland chocolate 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 chocolate, and other locally-sourced goods, highlighting the rich culinary landscape of the Pacific Northwest and the vibrant Portland food scene.
Attendees actively engaged with the craft, exploring the nuances of ethical sourcing, sustainability, and the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating quality chocolate. The Portland chocolate 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, a key aspect of the craft chocolate movement.
Ranger Chocolate Co.’s Vision for the Portland Chocolate Festival Comes to Fruition
George Domurot, founder and CEO of Ranger Chocolate Co., spearheaded the Portland chocolate 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 food 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 Portland chocolate festival underscored their role in championing the craft chocolate movement.
Showcasing Oregon’s Artisanal Talent at the Portland Chocolate Festival
The Portland chocolate 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 other talented chocolate makers, 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, further enhancing the Oregon chocolate experience.
The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation from both makers and attendees suggest a powerful and trending demand for artisanal chocolate experiences. The Portland chocolate festival highlighted the collaborative spirit within Oregon‘s food and beverage community, a key factor in the state’s renowned culinary reputation and its many sweet treats.
A Sweet Future for Portland’s Chocolate Scene: The Portland Chocolate Festival
The overwhelming success of the inaugural Portland 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 the Portland chocolate festival are crucial for fostering community, driving innovation, and educating consumers. The success of the Portland 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.
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