Help Us Bring a Farmer-First Chocolate Factory & Community Hub to Binghamton

Join our crowdfunding campaign launching May 8, 2026. Support ethical sourcing, local jobs, and a chocolate destination built on transparency.

How Emkao Began

My story began on my family cacao farm in Cameroon. I grew up around cocoa—seeing the pride of producing something extraordinary, but also the reality that farmers often don't receive fair value or recognition for the work behind it. When I later trained as a chocolatier and built my career in business, I knew I wanted to create something that connected people to the source—something that proved ethical sourcing can be real, transparent, and scalable.

That's why I started Emkao: to build a farmer-first cocoa and chocolate company that creates opportunity at origin and in the communities where we produce. We currently operate a branch in Vancouver, Canada, running since 2021. Now we're bringing that proven foundation to Binghamton, New York.

Awards & Recognition

Our work has been recognized across the industry.

🌍
2026
Sustainability Project of the Year
International Confectionery Awards
🏆
2025
Leadership Award
Specialty Food Association
🤝
2024
Diversity Award
CHFA
💡
2024
Social Impact Award
TD
2024
Rising Star Award
🥇
2025
Business Plan Competition — 1st Place
BLDC-EAP, Binghamton NY

See Our Journey

📅 Upcoming Event

Meet Us at Broome County Farmers Market

Early May 2026 — Binghamton, NY
Come sample our premium single-origin chocolate, meet founder Ayissi Nyemba, and learn about our farmer-first mission. Sign up for campaign updates and scan our QR code for exclusive launch-day perks.
We'll also be at Breaking Silos, the Binghamton Women's Business Conference, and a community golf tournament in June!

Stay in the Loop

Get campaign updates, store opening news, and behind-the-scenes content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rare premium cacao genetics (60% Criollo + 40% Trinitario), single-origin from Cameroon, direct farmer relationships, and QR-code traceability you can verify.

$100K for renovations, $250K for production equipment, and $200K for inventory, tariffs, and initial stock — totaling $550K to launch our Binghamton facility.

We connected with the Koffman Incubator's Soft Landing NY program, built local relationships, and won 1st place in the BLDC-EAP Business Plan Competition. Binghamton is where we're putting down roots.

Yes — we've operated our Vancouver, Canada branch since 2021, serving customers consistently and validating our products and processes.

Share this campaign — it's incredibly powerful. You can also contact us about partnership, loan, or equity investment opportunities.

High-cacao, low-sugar dark chocolate contains flavanols and minerals that may support heart health, brain function, and stress — when enjoyed in moderation.