Hummingbird Chocolate: World-Class Craft from Almonte, Ontario

At Lifestyle Markets, we seek out brands that prioritize quality, transparency, and an "industrious, not industrial" approach to food. Hummingbird Chocolate embodies these values perfectly. Based in the picturesque town of Almonte, Ontario, Hummingbird is one of the few chocolate makers in Canada crafting chocolate from scratch—transforming raw cacao beans into award-winning bars through a patient, month-long process.

The Story: From International Development to Fine Chocolate

The Hummingbird journey began far from the factory floor. Founders Drew and Erica Gilmour spent their early careers working with farmers in developing countries, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Their work focused on helping small-scale growers connect with markets and improve their livelihoods.

While working in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake, the couple gained a deep fascination for cacao. They saw an opportunity to continue their connection with farmers by becoming makers themselves. What started as a private hobby in 2011 quickly evolved into a passion-led business driven by a relentless pursuit of the perfect bar.

The Craft: The 10-Step, Month-Long Journey

Hummingbird defines "craft" by the time and attention they give to every bean. While industrial chocolate is often produced in hours, a single Hummingbird bar takes over a month to complete.

1. Direct Sourcing: They source the highest quality cacao beans from regions like the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, focusing on fair trade and sustainability.

2. Traditional Techniques: Using 18th-century style techniques modernized for today, the team roasts, cracks, winnows, and grinds the beans in small batches.

3. The Conching Room: The chocolate is "conched" (refined and aerated) slowly to unlock complex flavor profiles and create a silky-smooth texture.

4. Patience: Every batch is aged to ensure the flavors are fully developed before the chocolate is tempered, molded, and hand-wrapped.

The Accolades: "Best Chocolate in the World"

The dedication to the craft has not gone unnoticed. Hummingbird is now the most-awarded chocolate maker in Canada, with over 140 international awards.

Most notably, in 2016, their Hispaniola 70% bar was awarded the "Golden Bean" by the Academy of Chocolate in London—the highest honor in the global chocolate industry. This marked the first time a Canadian maker was recognized as producing the best chocolate in the world.

Pure Ingredients, Pure Flavor

Hummingbird Chocolate is made with only the best, most pure ingredients. There are no unnecessary fillers or artificial additives—just cacao, organic cane sugar, and a commitment to doing things right. Whether you are savoring a single-origin dark bar or their famous salted caramels, you are tasting the result of deep respect for both the farmer and the artisan.

Shop our curated selection of Hummingbird Chocolate and experience the height of Canadian craft chocolate.