About Us

From bean to bar—and beyond.

We are nicao, a small craft team based in Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan, handcrafting bean-to-bar chocolate and craft ice cream with care, precision, and purpose.

Our story begins with people—the farmers who grow the cacao, the makers who transform it, and the people who enjoy it. We believe that true flavor is created not by machines, but by hands, time, and intention.

We directly import single-origin cacao from a family-run farm in Guatemala, the birthplace of cacao. Grown without pesticides and carefully selected, each bean is the foundation of our flavor and ethics.

In our small workshop in Niseko, we carry out every step ourselves—from roasting and winnowing to refining and moulding. Every bar is handmade, in small batches, with attention to detail.

Our 70% dark chocolate is made with only three ingredients: cacao, Hokkaido beet sugar, and time. No additives, no flavorings—just the honest expression of the bean.

That care results in chocolate that’s balanced, flavourful, and full of character. You can taste the difference.

Every bar is individually wrapped by hand—the final touch that shows our commitment to craft and care.

At nicao, we value craft, clarity, and intention. From the bean to the final product, every step is deliberate.

From Chocolate to Ice Cream

Our ice cream is a natural extension of our bean-to-bar philosophy. Made with our own chocolate and the same high standards—no additives, no eggs, and only carefully chosen ingredients.

Our Double Chocolate Ice Cream features our house-made dark chocolate chips and cacao powder. Our Matcha White Chocolate Ice Cream blends Kyoto ceremonial-grade matcha with white chocolate chips made from Guatemalan cacao butter and Hokkaido dairy.

It’s not just chocolate ice cream. It’s craft ice cream made from real chocolate. And you can taste that difference.

Why We Make What We Make

Because flavor comes from honesty. Because doing things the slow way still matters. Because care can be tasted.

We’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of our annual revenue to environmental causes. Responsibility to the planet is part of our recipe.

If you’re a retailer, chef, or partner who shares our values, we’d love to hear from you. Welcome to nicao.