Scharffen Berger (USA)

About

Scharffen Berger is an American chocolate manufacturing company founded in 1996 by John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg in Berkeley, California. It was the first American company in over 50 years to produce chocolate "from bean to bar," emphasizing high-quality cacao beans sourced globally. The company gained recognition for its dark chocolate bars with high cocoa solid content, pioneering the practice of labeling cacao content on chocolate bars. Scharffen Berger was acquired by The Hershey Company in 2005 but returned to private ownership in 2021. Known for its artisanal quality and rich flavors, the company offers a range of products, including chocolate bars, cocoa powder, and baking chocolate. Its legacy in the chocolate industry includes influencing trends in micro-production and decentralizing European dominance in artisanal chocolate making. The company's commitment to quality and unique blends has made it a favorite among chocolate enthusiasts.