Denise Castronovo, the founder behind Castronovo Chocolate, has turned her passion for fine chocolate into an award-winning legacy. Based in Stuart, Florida, her small-batch chocolate company is celebrated for its artisanal craftsmanship and its commitment to quality.
Denise's journey into chocolate-making is as unique as her creations. With a background in plant ecology, she found her calling in heirloom cacao—sourcing beans from Latin America's lush rainforests and working hand-in-hand with indigenous communities to support their livelihoods and preserve the rainforest.
Her work led her to become the first U.S. chocolate maker to import rare cacao beans from Colombia's Sierra Nevada Mountain range. These beans became the foundation for her acclaimed 63% Sierra Nevada dark milk chocolate, which earned her the 2019 Golden Bean Award from the Academy of Chocolate — This award is highly significant because it is only given in the London ceremony when there is an exceptional entry that stands out among the thousands of submissions.
Denise's dedication didn’t stop there. In 2024, her talent and perseverance were recognized again when the International Chocolate Awards named her the Top Chocolate Maker in the Americas Division. These accolades firmly place Denise and her chocolates among the finest in the world.
Each bite tells a story of sustainability, artistry, and passion. As a board member of the Amazon Conservation Team, Denise extends her commitment to rainforest preservation beyond sourcing cacao, actively supporting initiatives that protect these vital ecosystems. By choosing Castronovo Chocolate, customers not only savor award-winning flavors but also contribute to the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity.