What: Coconama Chocolate Co. Ltd.
Who: Owners, Taka & Kayoko
When: Relocated to North Vancouver, June 2015
Where: 264 1st St E, North Vancouver, BC, V7L 1B3
Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10am-6pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Why do we love them?
I mean other than the fact that they make all things chocolate, they’re the nicest team of people and hard workers too. The chocolate is made on site from 100% cocoa beans which they source from their various suppliers who import the all-natural beans from Brazil. They offer a vast array of chocolate flavours, from Passion Fruit or Rum Raisin, to some more experimental flavours such as Kale, Beet or Celery! I tried the vegetable-infused ones when I went to meet Taka, and oh my goodness, this foodie was blown away by the unique textures and flavours of his creations. When I asked Taka why he made these, he simply said “I like to experiment and play with flavours!”
Why North Van?
Having spent ten years mastering the craft in Japan, Taka + Kayoko moved to Canada 5 years ago and opened their first Coconama shop in Richmond. They worked out of their Richmond location for the last few years and attended farmer’s markets around Vancouver to promote their business. I asked Taka why would he and the team would move to North Vancouver? “We were working at the Shipyard Markets for the last couple of summers and really liked the people and the neighbourhood. We wanted to be a part of the community, and the location was perfect. We’re very happy here.” — and so am I! Their location is only a couple of blocks away from my apartment, next to Finch & Barley and The Juicery Co., I have a feeling I’ll be a regular customer.
Additional Info:
Coconama has an amazing gift selection that you can pre-order online to pick-up from their North Vancouver location. They’re beautifully packaged and would make great host and holiday gifts. The team is also at a wide variety of markets + events around the Lower Mainland. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to see where they’re heading to next!
On behalf of everyone at Lower Lonsdale, I’d like to officially welcome Coconama to the neighbourhood! They will be celebrating their Grand Opening this coming Monday, September 7th (Labour Day). Be sure to swing by on your day off anytime from 10am-6pm to visit Taka and the team and experience a little taste of heaven!
