Jacqueline Jacek

JACEK Chocolate Couture
406 Kaska Rd, Sherwood Park, AB
jacekchocolate.com
(780) 464-5200

Jacqueline Jacek, the visionary founder of JACEK Chocolate Couture, has masterfully combined her passions for fashion and chocolate to create a unique niche in the confectionery world. Known as a “Cocoanista,” Jacek’s journey from a home-based startup to an internationally recognized chocolatier is a testament to her creativity, dedication, and commitment to spreading joy through her craft.

In 2009, Jacek launched JACEK Chocolate Couture from her basement in Sherwood Park, Alberta, as a one-woman operation. Her innovative concept of fusing fashion and chocolate was born from an inability to choose between becoming a fashion designer or a chocolatier, leading her to blend the two passions into a single venture. This creative fusion is evident in her seasonal chocolate collections, which draw inspiration from fashion trends and aim to dazzle the senses with new flavours each season.

Over the years, JACEK Chocolate Couture has expanded significantly. From its humble beginnings, the company now boasts a talented team dedicated to crafting fashionable chocolates using the finest ingredients and sustainably sourced cacao. The brand operates two retail boutiques in Sherwood Park and Edmonton’s Crestwood neighbourhood, with additional partner locations in Canmore and St. Albert, and over 200 wholesale partners across Canada.

Milestones and Achievements

Jacek’s commitment to excellence and innovation has garnered her numerous accolades. In 2011, Dessert Professional Magazine named her among the Top 10 Chocolatiers in North America. Her creations have consistently received recognition at the International Chocolate Awards, with recent honours including a Silver Medal for the Whisky Bar and a Bronze Medal for the 70% Colombia bar in the 2023/24 Americas competition.

Beyond product awards, Jacek has been acknowledged for her entrepreneurial spirit and community contributions. She was featured in Avenue Magazine Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2016 and received the Business of the Year Award from the Sherwood Park Chamber of Commerce in 2014.

Commitment to Ethical Practices and Community Engagement

At the heart of Jacek’s philosophy is a commitment to ethical sourcing and community support. Through the company’s bean-to-bar program, JACEK Chocolate Couture establishes direct relationships with cacao producers in countries like Peru, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. This approach ensures a clean supply chain and supports the livelihoods of cacao farmers, aligning with Jacek’s belief that sustainably purchased chocolate can transform the world.

Locally, the company’s JACEK 1% Program pledges to donate 1% of total sales to community-based initiatives and organizations. This program reflects the brand’s mission to spread joy not only through its products but also by giving back to the communities it serves.

Innovation and the Future

Jacek’s unique approach to chocolate design involves launching new collections seasonally, much like fashion houses. This strategy keeps both her team and customers engaged, offering fresh and exciting flavours that range from classic to avant-garde. Her dedication to innovation and quality has positioned JACEK Chocolate Couture as a leader in the industry, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in chocolate design.

As JACEK Chocolate Couture continues to grow, Jacqueline Jacek remains at the forefront, driven by her passion for creativity and her mission to spread joy through ethically sourced, fashion-inspired chocolates. Her journey from a basement startup to an award-winning chocolatier serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and chocolate lovers alike.