To create Domori chocolate and its unique aromatic complexity, Criollo cocoa is directly sourced from their plantations in Venezuela and processed every day in their facilities in None, Turin, with the a short and pure recipe. This choice is combined with their innovative productive process, where each phase is designed to preserve the aromatic notes naturally found in the aromatic cacao beans.
Turin, Italy | 1997
1993
Domori was founded by the creative mind and passion for nature, gastronomy and cocoa of Gianluca Franzoni. In 1993, after finishing his studies in Business and Economics, Gianluca arrived in Venezuela, where he fell in love with the magic of cocoa, deciding to develop a business model to reposition fine cocoa on the market.
1994
Domori established the groundwork for an important initiative aimed at recovering the Criollo cacao variety. Gianluca Franzoni began researching Criollo and its unique characteristics, collaborating with growers and research centers. The first nursery was founded in Venezuela, signifying the inception of Hacienda San José.
1997
Domori S.p.A. was officially founded in None, just outside Turin, Italy, marking a revolution in the cocoa world as the first chocolate company to exclusively use fine cacao and focus on high quality. It was also the first to produce chocolate with Criollo cacao, directly controlling the supply chain from the plantations.
2001
Domori formed a 50% joint venture with the historic Franceschi family in Venezuela, resulting in the Criollo recovery project that encompasses research, design, and the construction of the first greenhouses.
2002
Domori made a significant investment in Hacienda San José, reintroducing seven varieties of Criollo cacao and establishing what is now recognized as a world heritage site dedicated to the recovery of Criollo biodiversity.
2003
Domori completed its state-of-the-art factory, designed for a low-impact transformation of the cacao bean, preserving its natural aromatic notes.
2017
A new chapter in the history of Criollo cacao began with the founding of Hacienda San Cristobal in Ecuador, with the goal of making the finest cocoa accessible to more chocolate lovers. This plantation represents the culmination of 25 years of research, development, and cultivation of Criollo cacao by Domori.
Present Day
Domori continues to innovate and advocate for sustainable practices, working with growers in nine different countries (Peru, Colombia, Madagascar, Venezuela, Tanzania, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Brazil, and Cameroon) to ensure ethical sourcing and high-quality standards. They also continue to be recognized with awards, such as the Tavolette d’Oro, for their excellent single-origin chocolates, particularly their Criollo Chuao.