The South African entrepreneurship landscape is ever-evolving currently, and a name that's been creating ripples is Ethical Eats, an enterprise dedicated to the art of delightful crafting chocolates with a conscience.
Founded by CEO and Chef Dylan Jonsson, this company's journey is an exemplification to the power of merging a lifelong passion with a strong ethical vision.
Dylan Jonsson, a native of Pretoria currently residing in Rynfield, Benoni, has embarked on a culinary endeavor driven by his deep-rooted passion. His culinary odyssey began in childhood, and he possesses the soul of a chef, profoundly entwined with a love for chocolate. His connection to the world of cocoa was established at an early age, and over the past two decades, he has honed his chocolate-making skills to perfection.
But what sets Ethical Eats apart isn't just the delectable taste; it's the moral compass that guides their every creation. Recognizing the darker side of the chocolate industry, Dylan decided to take a stand. Ethical Eats is on a mission to ensure that every bite is not just delicious but ethically sound. Their commitment extends to sustainable sourcing, fair pay for cacao farmers, a focus on child labour and slave-free practices, and a transparent, environmentally conscious supply chain.
At Ethical Eats, chocolate isn't just a treat; it's a passion project with a purpose. Their chocolates are dairy-free, gluten-free, free of preservatives and fillers, and crafted with all-natural ingredients sourced from South Africa and cacao from Africa. This dedication to quality and ethics is what makes their chocolate bars truly special.
Challenges along the Way? Starting any business is an uphill battle, and for us, it was no different. One of our most significant challenges was launching with limited financial resources. However, we overcame this hurdle through sheer hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our vision. The result of these efforts is the high-quality chocolate products we produce and a network of stores that share our values, supporting local businesses and contributing to the growth of the local economy," he added.
Ethical Eats offers a diverse range of products, all crafted with single-origin cacao from Tanzania. From 100% dark chocolate to hazelnut milk chocolate slabs, vanilla blonde chocolate with cashews and fresh vanilla, to chocolate and hazelnut spreads, the array is as tantalizing as it is ethically conscious. They even cater to those who love their chocolate in liquid form with 70% drinking hot chocolate and gianduja milk hot chocolate. And for those who crave the perfect bite-sized treat, there are chocolate bonbons with Flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, espresso, clemen dark, and salted caramel. Their vanilla range, from vanilla beans to vanilla paste, adds another layer of sweetness to their offerings.
What are your business highlights so far? "For Ethical Eats, the journey has been filled with achievements. We've managed to create a brand and products that can compete with some of the best international chocolate brands, but the best part is that it's all locally manufactured, from farm to bar, in South Africa. Our dairy-free chocolate, with its rich and creamy texture, has turned skeptics into fans," proudly exclaimed the CEO and Chef, Dylan Jonsson.
Balancing Work and Play: When Dylan Jonsson isn't orchestrating the ethically delicious symphony at Ethical Eats, he's found in the great outdoors. Riding mountain bikes with his wife, trail running with his trusty Jack Russell, or camping in the wild, he finds his happy space amidst nature, just like his chocolates do for those who savour them.
As Ethical Eats continues to evolve, their passion for chocolate and commitment to ethics remain at the heart of their journey. Whether you're a chocolate lover or someone who values ethical consumption, this is a company that deserves a spot on your radar. Keep an eye on their journey as they create a sweeter, more ethical world, one chocolate bar at a time.