Theo History
We've been making high-quality chocolate from scratch, the hard way, from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, since 2006.
Driven by passion to create a positive impact through chocolate.
For us, it's about more than chocolate. We believe that organic ingredients are better for people and the planet, and that fair-trade practices are essential to ensure farmers receive a living wage for their work. Everything we make and sell meets the highest organic and fair-trade standards. Our efforts are validated with rigorous third-party certifications.
We were the first organic, fair trade certified chocolate maker in North America, and we remain committed to pushing the industry forward today.
Theo Chocolate was founded on January 27, 2005 in Seattle, WA.
Joe Whinney and Jeff Fairhall worked together to create the Theo Chocolate Company. Joe was a pioneer in organic cocoa, previously creating the first company to manufacture and supply bulk organic cocoa and chocolate products for the US food industry. Jeff was a founder of Essential Baking Company in Seattle, WA. Jeff provided the financial resources to start the company, while Joe led the business. Debra Music joined as the Chief Marketing Officer and Joe and Debra operated as co-founders to build the company into a national brand.
Autumn Martin, Erin Holzer, Jessica Lundin, and Pamela Hinckley were all part of the founding team who helped build the company. Theo’s first chocolate bar was sold in March 2006.
Local angel investors provided funding for the company in 2006. After Jeff Fairhall passed away in 2007 his interests were acquired by existing investors to continue the Theo Mission.
Theo's Story Continues.
In 2018, Etienne Patout took the helm as CEO of Theo Chocolate to expand our impact into the future. Etienne held senior leadership roles at Kraft Foods, Kellogg's and Pharmavite.