The Sweet Story of KanVela Chocolate

Founded in 2018, KanVela was conceived with a singular vision: to craft premium Thai chocolate that resonates with global palates whilst remaining affordable and rooted in local authenticity. Drawing inspiration from the Thai word “kan vela”, meaning “the passage of time”, the brand has rapidly garnered international acclaim for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor profiles that fuse Thai identity with international appeal. But beyond the taste, KanVela is deeply committed to sustainability – the company prides itself on nurturing a holistic ecosystem that supports every link in the value chain, from cocoa farmers and local processors to conscientious consumers. At its essence, KanVela aspires to be more than a chocolatier: it seeks to be a conduit of happiness, enriching lives through mindful craftsmanship and meaningful impact.

Discovering the complex world of cacao

Seven years ago, Thana Kunaraksvong, a former financial investment professional from Chiang Mai, embarked on a transformative journey. After extensive research into viable business crop that is well-suited to Thailand’s equatorial climate and in demand both domestically and internationally. Determined to elevate Thai agriculture, he began cultivating cocoa seedlings in his garden and delved into the complexities of bean fermentation and chocolate processing. “If we want to build a sustainable cocoa industry and increase the value of our products, we must process our cocoa into chocolate. But creating a bar that meets the standards of fine craft chocolate requires dedicated research, development, and trial and error of more than two years,” Thana said.

The initial success of his online sales led to the opening of KanVela’s first showroom in Chiang Mai in 2020. Simultaneously, the brand began to gain international acclaim, earning prestigious awards such as the 2021 International Rising Star Award from the Academy of Chocolate in England, and over 26 accolades from world-class craft chocolate competitions.

The allure of KanVela lies not only in its all-natural ingredients, which are free from preservatives and artificial flavor enhancers, but also in its innovative approach to flavor. The brand continuously introduces unique chocolate creations that fuse traditional Thai desserts and fruits with the universal medium of chocolate. Signature offerings include Bonbon Chocolates with fillings like Guava Salted Chili, Tamarind Tea Caramel, Durian, Pandan Custard, and Roasted Coconut.

“We aim to blend the distinctive characteristics of Thai desserts and fruits with chocolate – an internationally recognized raw material – serving as a channel for international audiences to experience authentic Thai flavors,” Thana explained.

A new chapter for sustainable chocolate

KanVela seamlessly integrates ethical practices across its entire supply chain – from the nurturing of cacao trees to the final handcrafted bar. This holistic approach not only elevates the quality of its products but also fosters a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

At the heart of KanVela’s sustainability ethos is its commitment to supporting over 300 cacao farming households across various provinces in Thailand, including Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phatthalung, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Chanthaburi. By providing fair compensation and sharing expertise in post-harvest techniques, KanVela ensures that farmers are equipped with knowledge to produce high-quality cacao beans. This collaborative effort uplifts local economies and promotes long-term agricultural sustainability.

“We aspire to contribute to the elevation and global recognition of Thai cocoa, as being a craft chocolate maker entails valuing every aspect – from the origin of the cocoa plantation to securing high-quality beans, as well as the intricate processes of refinement and production,” Thana said. Beyond educating farmers, he actively encourages KanVela employees to gain comprehensive knowledge of the cocoa and chocolate industry – and does so without fear that one day they may emerge as competitors.

“I believe that, in the long run, good relationships hold greater value than monetary gain. Strong relationships are the foundation of lasting happiness within this supply chain. Each bar of chocolate sold does not generate income for me alone – it also supports the dedicated team at KanVela and the farmers who cultivate the cocoa. When built upon the principles of fair compensation, these relationships become the cornerstone of our values and the long-term sustainability of the business.”

Proof of KanVela’s dedication to environmental stewardship is evident in its innovative use of cacao byproducts. “The thin cocoa shells, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, are transformed into beneficial tea products. Additionally, these shells are utilized as compost, enriching the soil and promoting healthy cacao tree growth. Such practices exemplify KanVela’s commitment to a zero-waste philosophy,” he continued.

KanVela’s packaging also reflects these values. All chocolate wrappers are printed with soy-based inks, and the use of paper instead of foil underscores the brand’s dedication to reducing its ecological footprint. These thoughtful choices resonate with consumers who prioritize sustainability.

Bites of happiness for the world

The Khlong Loi Community Cocoa Enterprise in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is one source of premium cocoa in Thailand. KanVela has chosen this community as the main supplier for producing chocolates served to THAI’s Royal First Class and Royal Silk Class passengers on routes to Japan, Korea, Australia, and Europe. This collaboration has given the world the chance to experience the unique taste of this Thai chocolate brand.

“When KanVela was chosen to be served on THAI, it wasn’t just me or the brand who were happy and proud, but all the farmers in Khlong Loi were thrilled that their produce was being seen by the world. THAI doesn’t just transport passengers; it brings the dreams and aspirations of Thai farmers up into the sky,” Thana said.

In celebration of THAI’s 65th anniversary, KanVela has collaborated with the DoiTung brand to create a new chocolate recipe called Royal Vanilla with Coconut Chocolate. Combining KanVela’s premium craft chocolate with fragrant coconut milk and DoiTung’s quality vanilla, this delicious concoction is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Where to Shop

KanVela Craft Chocolate Café, Chiang Mai
Website: kanvelachocolate.com
Instagram: @kanvelachocolate

Inspired by the local authenticity in chocolate crafting? Fly to Chiang Mai with Thai Airways!