Our History

Chocolate Alchemy began in 2004 when our founder John Nanci embarked on a mission to demystify the art of craft chocolate making. What started as a personal quest to understand how to make chocolate from cacao beans grew into a movement that would help launch the bean-to-bar chocolate revolution in America.

Our Early Days

In the early 2000s, making chocolate from beans was primarily the domain of large manufacturers. John recognized that aspiring craft chocolate makers faced three major hurdles:

Access to small-scale equipment
Access to small amounts of chocolate quality cocoa beans.
Finding reliable information about the chocolate-making process.

Chocolate Alchemy was founded to solve these issues.

Educational Impact

We’ve has been instrumental in educating two generations of craft chocolate makers. Through detailed documentation, deep-dive video, Ask The Alchemist and personal consultation, we've helped countless individuals and small businesses enter the world of bean-to-bar chocolate making.

Our website has become a vital resource for the craft chocolate community, offering:

Step-by-step guides to chocolate making
Technical information about equipment and processes
Detailed origin information about cacao beans
Troubleshooting guides for common challenges

Innovations in Equipment

Over the years, we’ve played a pivotal role in developing and refining equipment specifically designed for craft chocolate makers. Our contributions include:

Modification of wet grinders into chocolate melangers for chocolate refining.
The development of Profile roasting techniques for cocoa
Invention and production of small scale cracking and winnowing machines such as the Aether, Flux and Sylph winnowers.
Invention of the Crankandstein Cocoa Mill
Discovery of the Champion Juicer for use in chocolate making.
Discovery that the Behmor 1600/2000 can be used for cocoa roasting.
Helping to bring Cocoa butter Silk into awareness.

Present Day and Future Vision

Today, our mission of supporting craft and home chocolate makers around the world remains unchanged:

Sourcing high-quality, ethically produced cacao beans from diverse origins
Developing and refining equipment for small-scale production
Providing education and support to chocolate makers great and small
Fostering innovation in craft chocolate making

We strive to make the art and science of chocolate making accessible to anyone with the passion to Make.

Media Recognition and Awards

Industry Awards

Legend of Chocolate Class of 2018 Recognition for bringing small scale Chocolate Melangers to the industry.
Fine Chocolate Industry (FCIA) Lifetime Achievement Award

Over the years, Chocolate Alchemy and John Nanci have been recognized as key figures in the craft chocolate movement.