Origins and Vision

Friis-Holm Chocolate was established by Mikkel Friis-Holm, a Danish chef driven by the ambition to rank among the top three chocolate makers globally. His mission is clear: to create chocolate that is both the best in the world and the best for the world.

How It All Began

Mikkel's fascination with chocolate sparked in the late 90s while he was working in San Francisco. During this time, he encountered the fledgling Scharffen Berger Chocolate, which ignited his passion for the craft.

In 2007, Mikkel's journey took a significant turn through his collaboration with Scharffen Berger Chocolate, leading him to a major cacao project in Nicaragua. This initiative, supported by Danida—a Danish government-sponsored development organization—aimed to enhance farmers' income by cultivating high-quality cacao. Mikkel formed a close partnership with the local farmers involved in the project, and to this day, cacao beans from these Nicaraguan farmers remain a cornerstone of Friis-Holm Chocolate.

Establishing a Danish Chocolate Factory

From 2007 to 2013, Mikkel dedicated himself to building knowledge and mastering the craft of chocolate making. Initially, the chocolate was produced in collaboration with Bonnat Chocolatier, an esteemed French chocolate factory in the Rhone region. However, Mikkel aspired to oversee the entire production process himself—from cacao bean to finished chocolate.

In 2014, with the support of small investors and the Danish Structural Bank "Vækstfonden," Friis-Holm Chocolate A/S was founded. The first batch of Danish-produced chocolate was created in 2015, and since then, all production has taken place at their factory in Denmark.

In 2023, the family behind Hansen Is (Hansen Ice Cream) joined Mikkel in ownership of the company. Despite these changes, the foundation of their work remains rooted in Mikkel's enduring motto:

"Best in the world, best for the world."