What Does Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker Do?

Total employees35
HeadquartersAshland
Founded1996

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker is an American artisan chocolate manufacturer, celebrated as one of the pioneers of the bean-to-bar chocolate movement in the United States. Founded in 1996 by winemaker John Scharffenberger and physician Dr. Robert Steinberg, the company focuses on crafting high-quality dark chocolate from directly sourced cacao beans. After a period under Hershey's ownership, Scharffen Berger was re-acquired in 2020 by a group of private investors, including its original founder, with a renewed commitment to its original craft principles and quality. They are known for their meticulous approach to chocolate making, from bean selection to final bar, emphasizing rich, complex flavors.

Where Is Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker's Headquarters?

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker officeScharffen Berger Chocolate Maker officeScharffen Berger Chocolate Maker officeScharffen Berger Chocolate Maker office
*Images sourced via web search. Rights belong to original owners

HQ Function

Serves as the primary chocolate manufacturing facility and operational headquarters, overseeing bean sourcing, production, quality control, sales, marketing, and business management.

Notable Features:

A modern, state-of-the-art chocolate making facility designed to support their artisan bean-to-bar process, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship. The facility may incorporate visitor experiences in the future to showcase their chocolate-making process.

Work Culture:

A culture deeply rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and a passion for fine chocolate. The environment fosters meticulous attention to detail, teamwork, and dedication to reviving the brand's legacy of artisanal excellence in a collaborative setting.

HQ Significance:

The Ashland headquarters and factory represent the rebirth of the iconic Scharffen Berger brand, marking a return to its artisan roots and independent ownership. This location symbolizes a new chapter, focusing on producing high-quality American craft chocolate.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters reflects a commitment to quality, authenticity, craftsmanship, and transparency in sourcing and production, embodying the brand's pioneering spirit in the American artisan chocolate movement.

Location:

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker primarily focuses on the North American market. Their global engagement is most prominent in the sourcing of premium cacao beans from diverse agricultural regions across the globe, including Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa, essential for their distinctive chocolate profiles. While direct international operational offices are not a primary feature, their products may be found in select international markets through specialty distributors and online retailers catering to connoisseurs of fine chocolate.

Street Address:

261 W Hersey St

City:

Ashland

State/Province:

Oregon

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker Operate Around the World?

Berkeley, California, USA (Historical)

Address: Formerly 914 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710

Established Scharffen Berger's reputation as a leader in the American craft chocolate movement, particularly within the San Francisco Bay Area, a hub for artisan food. It served as the primary production, innovation, and administrative center during the company's initial phase.

Buying Intent Signals for Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker' leadership includes:

Paul Cherrie - Chief Executive Officer (Art Coco / Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker)
John Scharffenberger - Founder & Brand Advisor
Chris Spirko - Master Chocolate Maker & Head of Chocolate Operations
Ray Major - Chief Operating Officer

Who's Investing in Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker?

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Acquired in 2020 by a private investment group known as Art Coco, LLC (operating under Charitable Rosies Co.), which includes original co-founder John Scharffenberger.
Previously owned by The Hershey Company (2005-2020).

What Leadership Changes Has Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker Seen Recently?

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Exits0

Following its re-acquisition and operational relaunch centered around 2020-2022, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker has focused on stabilizing its team and scaling production. Publicly available information regarding specific executive hires or departures in the last 12 months is limited, suggesting leadership continuity post-relaunch.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byScharffen Berger Chocolate Maker?

Discover the tools Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker Email Formats and Examples

While specific email formats for Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker are not publicly confirmed, companies of similar size and structure often utilize patterns such as [first_initial][last]@[companydomain].com or [first].[last]@[companydomain].com. For Scharffen Berger, this would be @scharffenberger.com.

[first].[last]@scharffenberger.com or [first_initial][last]@scharffenberger.com (common patterns, not confirmed)

Format

j.doe@scharffenberger.com or jdoe@scharffenberger.com

Example

70%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker?

Rogue Valley MagazineDecember 1, 2023

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker's Returns: Sweet Success in Southern Oregon

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Makers has made a triumphant return, establishing its new factory in Ashland, Oregon. The article highlights the brand's revival, its commitment to bean-to-bar chocolate, and the local impact of its new facility....more

Food & WineMay 10, 2023

The Original Craft Chocolate Is Back and Better Than Ever

Food & Wine reports on the comeback of Scharffen Berger, one of America's original craft chocolate brands. With cofounder John Scharffenberger involved, the company is revisiting its roots with a focus on quality and complex flavors from its new Oregon base....more

Candy IndustryOctober 25, 2023

Scharffen Berger opens Ashland, Oregon chocolate factory

Scharffen Berger has officially opened its new chocolate factory in Ashland, Oregon. The 13,000-sq.-ft. facility will enable the company to produce its full line of fine chocolates, marking a new era for the artisan brand....more

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