At Emkao Foods, our story has always been about more than just chocolate. It’s about people—farmers, employees, and the communities we serve. Today, we’re incredibly proud to announce that we’ve been honored with the Small Business People First Award from the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC.
This recognition reflects our commitment to safety, ethical practices, and sustainable growth—all rooted in our belief that people are at the heart of everything we do.
What Is the Small Business People First Award?
The Small Business People First Award is presented annually by the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC to recognize small-sized manufacturers that go above and beyond in fostering a workplace culture centered on health, safety, employee well-being, and community impact.
For Emkao Foods, winning this award is more than a moment of celebration, it’s a confirmation that our values are working. From our ethical cocoa sourcing in Cameroon to our factory practices in Vancouver and Binghamton, we’ve built every part of this business with people in mind.
Putting People First: Our Core Philosophy
From day one, our founder envisioned a cocoa company built on transparency, fairness, and impact. That vision has guided our path through every milestone, including our recent expansion into the U.S. market.
At Emkao, putting people first means:
- Fair and direct trade with smallholder farmers in Cameroon, providing sustainable income and fair pricing.
- Safe and inclusive workplaces for our staff in Canada and the U.S., with comprehensive training, support systems, and growth opportunities.
- Customer-focused innovation, ensuring every product we create serves real needs in the baking, beverage, and snack industries.
Receiving the People First Award validates the everyday efforts of our team, from quality control and food safety to our community engagement initiatives.
Our Vancouver Roots and Global Reach
Based in Vancouver, Emkao Foods produces a range of organic, dairy-free, and vegan cocoa products that are certified and traceable back to the farm. We source directly from our founder’s family-owned farms in Cameroon, supporting local communities while delivering single-origin, premium cocoa to the North American market.
Some of our flagship products include:
- POKAO | Cocoa Powder
- CHOKAO | Dark Chocolate Chips
- BAKAO | Chocolate Bar
- BUKAO | Cocoa Butter
- HUSKAO | Cocoa Husks
- NIKAO | Cocoa Nibs
- ROKAO | Raw Cocoa Beans
- LIKAO | Cocoa Liquor
- BAKAO Coffee
Each ingredient is designed with both chefs and conscious consumers in mind—products that are as flavorful and functional as they are ethical.
More Than Manufacturing: Our Community Approach
This award also highlights the deeper role manufacturers play in society. We’re not just producing chocolate—we’re helping build communities.
Our team participates in local events, collaborates with regional food innovators, and contributes to educational initiatives that empower new generations of food entrepreneurs and manufacturers. Whether it's through farmer training in Cameroon or staff development in Vancouver and Binghamton, our business model is built on long-term, people-centred value.
A Nod to Our Recent U.S. Achievement
While we’re celebrating our Canadian win, we also want to acknowledge another milestone: our U.S. presence was recently recognized with the Binghamton Business Plan Competition Award, further validating our cross-border mission to bring ethical, sustainable cocoa to a wider market.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Emkao Foods?
Winning the Small Business People First Award strengthens our resolve to:
- Expand responsibly into new markets across North America
- Continue improving safety and sustainability practices across our facilities
- Launch new cocoa-based products for foodservice, retail, and wholesale customers
- Foster meaningful relationships with communities, vendors, and partners who share our people-first philosophy
Whether you're a retailer, chocolatier, café owner, or bakery innovator, we invite you to experience the Emkao difference—products made with purpose and backed by a company that puts people at the center of everything.
Let’s Grow Together
If you're interested in carrying our cocoa ingredients or partnering with us on your next food innovation, we’d love to connect.
👉 Contact us or explore our full product range at www.emkaofoods.com