Draft:Compartes Chocolatier

Compartés Chocolatier is a gourmet chocolate company based in Los Angeles, California, known for its artisanal chocolate bars, truffles, and luxury confections. Founded in 1950, the brand has become a fixture of Los Angeles culinary culture and is celebrated for its creative flavor combinations, unique packaging, and high-profile collaborations.

Lead

Compartés Chocolatier is a Los Angeles-based chocolate brand producing handmade, small-batch luxury chocolates. Established in 1950, the company gained international recognition for its design-forward packaging, inventive flavors, and celebrity following. Under the leadership of chocolatier Jonathan Grahm—who was named to the inaugural Forbes 30 Under 30 list—Compartés has collaborated with prominent pop culture and food brands including The White Lotus, Velveeta Cheese, and 818 Tequila.

History

Founding and Growth

Compartés was established in 1950 in Los Angeles, with a focus on handmade, high-quality chocolate confections. The brand earned a loyal following through its commitment to craftsmanship and its distinctive aesthetic.

Modern Reinvention

Jonathan Grahm took over the company in the early 2000s and reimagined Compartés for a new generation of consumers. Grahm, a chocolatier and entrepreneur, infused the brand with bold design sensibilities and expanded its presence in the luxury and pop culture markets. He was recognized in Forbes' inaugural 30 Under 30 list for his role in transforming the chocolate industry through innovation and branding.

Collaborations

Compartés has partnered with notable brands and entertainment franchises to produce limited-edition collections, blending high-end chocolate with playful, culturally relevant themes. Notable collaborations include:

• The White Lotus – A custom flavor and packaging inspired by HBO’s Emmy-winning series.
• Velveeta Cheese – A tongue-in-cheek partnership that resulted in a cheese-infused chocolate truffle.
• 818 Tequila – A tequila-infused chocolate created in collaboration with Kendall Jenner’s tequila brand.

These collaborations have been highlighted in media outlets such as Food & Wine, Adweek, and Hypebeast, helping cement Compartés’ reputation as a trend-forward, creative chocolatier.

Products and Offerings

Compartés' product line includes:

• Chocolate Bars – Signature and seasonal bars with ingredients ranging from marshmallows and sea salt to wine and matcha.
• Truffles – Handmade truffles featuring both classic and experimental flavors.
• Limited Editions – Collaborative collections and seasonal gifts with custom artwork and storytelling elements.
• Corporate and Custom Gifts – White-label and branded gifting options for events, weddings, and business clients.

Recognition and Media Coverage

Compartés has been widely featured in major publications, including:

• The New York Times, Vogue, Bon Appétit, and Architectural Digest
• Food & Wine, which listed its chocolate among the best in the U.S.
• The Spruce Eats, which named its truffles among the top gourmet chocolate gifts
• Modern Retail, for its digital transformation and e-commerce success

Jonathan Grahm has been referred to as a “modern-day Willy Wonka” by multiple press outlets, thanks to his imaginative approach to chocolate-making.

Community and Philanthropy

Compartés has a history of community involvement, including:

• Donating 100% of proceeds from the “I Love LA” collection to California wildfire relief efforts.
• Supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives and small business education through event participation and limited-run bars.

See Also

• List of chocolatiers
• Artisanal food brands
• Los Angeles-based gourmet companies