Self-taught chocolatier and Filipina national Carol Gancia opened her outlet in the city’s trendy Castro neighbourhood during the pandemic.
A year later, Gancia said she owes the brand’s success to the immediate support of her Castro community and her quick shift to selling the collections online as consumer demand skyrocketed for chocolates.
This year, Kokak Chocolates has launched four chocolate collections celebrating inclusivity, heritage and Father's Day.
“Our Castro neighbours were the first to embrace us, stopping each week to try different truffle flavours, buy up the day’s remaining selections, and support however they could,” said Gancia. “I am beyond proud to be a part of and commemorate Kokak Chocolates’ first anniversary with Pride month and expand our collections to honour my Asian roots.”
The name ‘Kokak’ means 'ribbit' (the sound of a frog) in Filipino, and some of the brand’s best-known flavours are inspired by Gancia personal childhood memories in Manila.
While tropical truffles like Mango Lemongrass, Kalamansi (Philippine lime), Passion Fruit, and Banana Caramel have become customer favourites, Gancia still continues to innovate in flavours and designs.
Its 70% dark chocolate features the brand’s signature rare cacao variety known as ‘Nacional,’ which is protected by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund and sourced in Ecuador.
Online ordering and shipping within the continental US is available. For more information, visit www.kokakchocolates.com.