Mindo Chocolate Makers
Dexter, Michigan 48130
(734)-660-5636
[email protected]
Visitors by appointment only
Nestled high in a “cloud forest” in the Andes of Ecuador, organic heirloom Arriba Nacional cocoa beans are being grown for Dexter-based chocolate company Mindo.
Owned by Jose Meza and Barbara Wilson, (previously known for a reputable auto repair shop in Ann Arbor), Mindo is the couple’s retirement. Better, it’s how they figured out to have their retirement in Ecuador, and eat delicious brownies in two countries, too.
When the couple got to Ecuador, they wanted Internet service but it was cost-prohibitive. So they opened a little Internet café to help pay for it. That led to them serving locally sourced coffee. Then they started serving brownies, but the chocolate was coming from Ann Arbor. They sought, and found, a local chocolate source in Ecuador, et voila! Now they send their chocolate from Ecuador to Michigan, and make scrumptious chocolates for all to enjoy, all over the world.
Mindo produces baking chocolate, cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, and cocoa liquor, as well as unroasted cocoa beans. They also sell bars, including Celtic Sea Salt and 67% Chocolate; Michigan Blueberries and 67% Chocolate; and Hazelnut and 77% Chocolate. And you don’t need to go all the way to the Andes to enjoy it. Mindo products are available locally at Eastern Market; Fresh Farms Market in Grosse Pointe; Westborn Markets in Dearborn, Berkley, and Livonia; and at Espresso Elevado, among many other locations in the metro area. Or, find them online at mindochocolate.com.
