OUR STORY

We draw our name from the Māori word Makenu — meaning trail, journey, or imperfection — a reflection of our belief that beauty is found in the path, not just the destination.

Rooted in Origin. Wrapped in Soul.

Makenu was born from a deep desire to honor the hands, histories, and hidden magic behind every cacao bean.
What began as a single bar became a bridge — between cultures, continents, and quiet moments of joy.

We draw our name from the Māori word Makenu — meaning trail, journey, or imperfection — a reflection of our belief that beauty is found in the path, not just the destination.

Our journey starts in Central and South America and Eastern Africa, where we partner directly with growers whose practices regenerate the land and preserve ancestral knowledge.


But it continues with you — every time you unwrap a bar, share a taste, or slow down to savor something real.

A woman outdoors holding a freshly harvested chayote vegetable, smiling at the camera, with a background of leaves and forest floor.
Two people standing together on a trail in a lush, green forest, smiling at the camera.
A man standing in a lush, green tropical garden holding four large, yellow, ridged fruits with a textured surface in each hand.
Close-up of a branch with three red cacao pods growing on it, surrounded by green foliage.

From the Journal.

Thoughts on flavor. Stories from the field. New pairings, soulful recipes, and updates from our community of growers and makers.

Slow down with a read that stirs something.