When it comes to British chocolate, few brands capture the essence of artisanal craftsmanship quite like Ocelot Chocolate. This Dundee-based chocolatier has been making waves in the world of British chocolate since its inception in 2014, bringing a fresh and exciting approach to the time-honored (or should we say "honoured"?) tradition of chocolate making in the UK.

The Story Behind Ocelot Chocolate

Ocelot Chocolate is the brainchild of Matt and Ish Broadbent, a couple from Newport, Fife. Their journey into the world of British chocolate is as unique as their products. Matt, with a background in immunology, and Ish, an illustrator, found their calling in the culinary world. Their adventure began in Italy, where they cooked in a mountain hotel, followed by stints as chefs in France and Hampshire.

It was during their time as chefs that they discovered their passion for chocolate desserts. This passion led them to start Ocelot Chocolate from their kitchen table in Edinburgh in 2014. As Matt puts it, "We didn't know a huge amount about chocolate, but like we did with those other jobs, we could learn as we go."

The Ocelot Difference

What sets Ocelot apart in the British chocolate scene is their commitment to quality and creativity. Using ethically sourced chocolate from Original Beans, Ocelot creates British chocolate that is not only delicious but also socially responsible. This dedication to sustainability is a hallmark of modern British chocolate making, and Ocelot is at the forefront of this movement.

Ocelot's unique flavor combinations have helped them carve out a distinct niche in the British chocolate market. Matt explains, "We have a mix of classic flavours that we know work very well, and some slightly different flavours that make people think about what can work with chocolate." Their range includes intriguing flavors like violet, buckwheat, blood orange, and black cherry, alongside more traditional options like dark sea salt and white chocolate with almonds.

The Art of Chocolate Making

Now based in Dundee's Mid Wynd, Ocelot produces between 10,000 and 12,000 bars of chocolate a month. Their process involves melting the chocolate, adding flavors, and then carefully tempering it to achieve the perfect texture and mouthfeel. As Matt describes, "When it's tempered, it's completely smooth and a lot of the solid cocoa particles are enveloped in cocoa butter, so it's a lot smoother."

Distinctive Packaging

Ocelot Chocolate stands out on shelves thanks to its unique 70g square shape and eye-catching packaging. Ish's background in illustration shines through in the artwork on every bar, making each one a visual treat as well as a culinary one.

The Future of Ocelot

Despite facing challenges, including a brief setback with a cafe venture in Edinburgh, Ocelot Chocolate is looking towards a bright future. They're planning to trial their first bean-to-bar range at the start of next year, expanding their expertise in British chocolate making.

The company is also setting its sights on international markets. With a warehouse in Germany facilitating EU distribution, and Hello Chocolate representing the brand in  North America, Ocelot is poised for global growth. As Matt ambitiously states, "So I guess the next phase of Ocelot is world domination, in the craft sense."

Conclusion

Ocelot Chocolate represents the exciting future of British chocolate. By combining traditional British chocolate-making techniques with modern flavors, ethical practices, and stunning design, they're helping to redefine what British chocolate can be. Whether you're a longtime fan of British chocolate or new to the world of artisanal confections, Ocelot Chocolate offers a taste experience that's truly unique and unmistakably British.