Nao

Belgianness, bulk version!
In the heart of Brussels, in 2015, NAO was born, an initiative to add an organic and packaging-free 100% alternative to the Belgian chocolate market.
A simple chocolate, accessible to all, sold exclusively in bulk, without palm oil, colouring or preservatives. Simplicity and authenticity for a zero waste gourmet break!

S.O.S Faim
In 2019, the NAO team decides to broaden the scope of its mission. The staff want to provide coherent and impactful support, with useful action over time. They turn to the NGO S.O.S. Faim, which supports family farming in Latin America.
This joint work has led to the launch of a training programme for local producers to help them make the most of their cocoa.

"We are fighting to offer a chocolate that respects everyone, from the producer to the consumer, via the trader. "

Acting here and now
The NAO team also wants to have an impact on their consumers and expand their action plan in Belgium. In 2019, they financed the planting of a 100 year old forest on their site for the Saint-Augustin school in Genval, with the help of Urban Forest. The idea behind this initiative is to allow children to understand how a forest works and how long it takes to grow.

In addition to this, NAO finances zero waste workshops by Anne-Michaelle and Sven, founders of Mi'ssion Nature. They teach people how to make a quick and easy transition to zero waste.

2021: change of origin for our chocolate
From now on, the delicious NAO chocolate comes straight from Sao Tomé, an African island off the coast of Gabon! Nicknamed 'the chocolate island', it is renowned for its high quality beans, which make for an even tastier chocolate.
When it was founded in 2016, Nao had only one objective: to offer good Belgian chocolate, certified organic and in bulk.
One thing leading to another, NAO investigates all avenues to offer not only organic and quality chocolate, but also to ensure that working conditions are respected, as well as the fair remuneration of all those involved in the production chain.
NAO quickly realised that in order to provide its customers with a more sustainable chocolate and to have all the answers to these fundamental questions, it was necessary to master the entire chain.
This is why they decided to create their own production line. Together with the team in Kortrijk, Jan and Stéphanie, and with their brand new bean processing workshop in Anderlecht, managed by Julia and Joao.
For their supply, they called on Katrien - a bean hunter - with whom they were able to set up a direct partnership with a group of grower families in Sao Tomé.
Through this scheme, NAO chocolate bars are starting the transition to 100% traceable, bean to bar and organic chocolate in order to guarantee producers a remuneration of almost 40% above the fair trade cocoa market price, with a fixed price all year round, protecting them from price variations.

Their chocolates at The Barn
Thanks to the know-how of their Belgian chocolatier, Jan, who makes their products in a traditional way, Nao offers you excellent dark and milk chocolate bars, with or without hazelnuts.
More information on their website