NOKA Handmade chocolate from Madagascar and the Basque Country in Urrugne

NoKa, the Basque chocolatier that focuses on traceability and local terroir

In Urrugne, NoKa has established itself among the chocolatiers of the Basque Country by focusing on a simple yet rare promise: total traceability, from plantation to chocolate bar. Created in 2021 by Alain and Françoise Girardot, the company extends an adventure that began in 2015 in Madagascar with the Tsanga cooperative, which now brings together 80 cocoa farmers committed to quality, before finding its Basque roots at the foot of La Rhune mountain.

A handcrafted chocolate born from two terroirs

What distinguishes NoKa in the landscape of Basque artisanal chocolate is the marriage of two exceptional raw materials : cocoa from the Tsanga (Madagascar) and Vakao (Vanuatu) cooperatives, and Basque hazelnuts, sourced from the 3,700 hazelnut trees planted locally. In the workshop, the beans are roasted, conched, and then precisely adjusted to reveal a pure, vibrant taste, deeply rooted in the terroir, far removed from standardized industrial chocolates.

This Basque-style " bean-to-bar " approach appeals to customers seeking meaning and transparency in their consumption, a fundamental trend in the agri-food and tourism sector, driven by the growing demand for local and traceable products.

Where can I find and taste NoKa creations?

NoKa's chocolate-hazelnut creations can be discovered directly at their production workshop in Urrugne, where a dedicated space also allows professionals (restaurateurs, shops, hotels) to purchase their products. This artisanal chocolate factory embodies, in its own way, the revival of Basque expertise in cocoa and hazelnut, and is a highly recommended address for anyone planning a gourmet getaway between Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye, and the Spanish border.

To experience this story from the inside, before you buy a tablet, book a visit to the NoKa workshop : a stroll among the hazelnut trees, a discovery of the manufacturing process, and a tasting on site. A wonderful experience to enjoy without moderation!