About Us

Ao Cacao was created by Thomas Netana Wright. A pastry chef and chocolatier / chocolate maker. Inspired by his family heritage. Thomas combines his training and pursuit for excellence to create a conscious chocolate brand that celebrates it's producers and community.

Being an indigenous man, Thomas believes in people first. 

 

We work with indigenous producers and celebrate everyone directly.

Direct sourcing, life long relationship building, people first, celebrating the terroir of the Pacific and New Zealand.

London origins means Thomas' mother's family and career beginnings, Thomas is the last direct descendant of the Wright's Dairy in Chelsea in London established in 1796 Thomas' family were artisans in the dairy industry creating a famous dairy business in Chelsea, London for over 200 years. The dairy was sold before Thomas' was born however their history inspires and drives Thomas everyday to create a craft to be proud about for generations to come. 

The Modern Epoch: Culinary Artistry Meets Social Responsibility

Thomas embarked on a culinary journey in 2011. Under the mentorship of the esteemed William Curley & Suzue Aoyama in London, he mastered the intricate arts of patisserie and chocolate, gracing the kitchens of 3-Michelin-starred establishments.

The Renaissance: Ao Cacao—A Revolution in Chocolate Excellence

In 2021, Ao Cacao was born out of Thomas's long-held vision to revolutionise the chocolate industry. We are committed to bringing equity and equality to the cacao and chocolate sectors. We collaborate closely with Pacific cacao farmers and indigenous producers, ensuring that our creations are not just luxurious but also a testament to our mission.

The Journey Ahead: Join Us in Crafting a New Legacy

Our trajectory has been momentus, gaining accolades through various publications, television features, and representing New Zealand on the world stage in Paris. Yet, this is merely the beginning. We invite you to join us in this transformative journey as we usher in a new era of Ao Cacao, where luxury meets social responsibility.