At just 30 years old, Mikaël Portannier, an exceptional roaster from La Rochelle, has already made a significant mark in the coffee and chocolate world with his unique expertise.
A graduate of a hospitality school, he embarked on a journey in the beverage industry, becoming the Best Craftsman of France – Roaster 2023 and Champion of France in Roasting 2024.
Today, Mikaël is exploring a new adventure in the world of bean-to-bar chocolate, with limitless ambition.
From Coffee Roasting to Bean-to-Bar Chocolate: A Natural Transition
After eight years working with a Parisian roaster, Mikaël honed his roasting skills, becoming a reference in the field. However, a growing passion for chocolate piqued his interest.
“Coffee and chocolate have a lot in common, from shared terroirs to similar processing techniques. However, what drew me to chocolate is that it’s a finished product fully controlled by the artisan,” explains Mikaël.
This pursuit of mastery and perfection led him to train with Belco in Bordeaux, a supplier of coffee and cacao. He also had the opportunity to visit cocoa plantations in El Salvador, an experience that solidified his desire to produce artisanal chocolate.
Texture: The Birth of a Unique Artisanal Project
With Texture, Mikaël launched his own bean-to-bar chocolate brand, drawing from his expertise in specialty coffee.
The bean-to-bar concept refers to a manufacturing process where the artisan chocolatier controls all stages of chocolate production, from selecting cocoa beans to creating the final product. Unlike industrial production, where many intermediaries are involved, bean-to-bar emphasizes transparency and traceability.
This production method focuses on the quality of the cocoa beans, often sourced from plantations selected for their sustainable and ethical practices, as well as artisanal processes. Each step—roasting, conching, molding—is carefully designed to enhance the unique flavors of the beans, delivering a pure chocolate without unnecessary additives.
Texture chocolate is made with only cocoa beans and sugar. This simplicity highlights the quality of the ingredients and Mikaël’s craftsmanship, offering consumers an extraordinary sensory experience. For Mikaël Portannier and his brand Texture, bean-to-bar is more than just a process; it’s a philosophy. By mastering every detail, he guarantees a high-quality product that respects both cocoa producers and the expectations of consumers seeking authenticity.
To discover the unique flavors of Texture chocolate, visit Instagram @textur___e and order your artisanal bar today!
Innovative Packaging to Serve the Craftsmanship
To elevate his chocolate bars, Mikaël needed packaging that combined practicality, aesthetics, and functionality. He wanted to avoid the common issues of traditional packaging, which are often hard to reseal and poorly suited for storage.
“User experience is crucial. Many bars are difficult to fold, which spoils the consumer’s enjoyment. I wanted something simple but effective,” Mikaël says.
After evaluating several options, he chose a flat pouch with three side seals and a zip, rather than traditional foil packaging. This modern solution perfectly met his expectations.
After exploring various options, Mikaël chose ePac as a partner. This decision turned out to be strategic for several reasons:
- Local Production: “Working with a company based in France reassured me. It simplifies communication and ensures valuable responsiveness.”
- Flexibility: Thanks to a reduced MOQ (minimum order quantity), ePac allowed Mikaël to order small quantities tailored to his emerging business.
Results That Meet Expectations
Since launching Texture, the packaging designed by ePac has received enthusiastic feedback from consumers. Not only does it effectively protect the chocolate, but it also strengthens the brand’s visual identity with its elegant and professional design.
Mikaël has also noticed improved customer retention due to this packaging. “Customers really appreciate the resealable zip, which preserves the freshness of the chocolate while making it easy to carry,” he says.
The partnership between Mikaël and ePac highlights the importance of choosing a supplier capable of understanding the unique needs of an artisanal brand. Through a collaborative approach and customized solutions, ePac has helped turn Mikaël’s vision into a tangible reality.
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