Discover BARADA Chocolate’s journey: a purpose-driven Thai brand redefining luxury with sustainable cacao and taste.
From Tech to Chocolate: The Journey Behind BARADA Chocolate’s Global Success
It all started with a simple belief: Chocolate should be exceptional in taste and responsible in its impact. For Khaled Shbib, founder and CEO of BARADA Chocolate, this idea ignited a passion that would transform the landscape of the global chocolate industry. In a world full of corporate-driven, mass-produced brands, BARADA stands out by intertwining ethical sourcing with world-class craftsmanship.
In the heart of Phuket, Thailand, Shbib made a pivotal decision. Leaving behind the tech world, he embarked on a mission to create a luxury chocolate brand that would elevate Thai cacao and empower local communities. From that initial spark, BARADA began its journey toward global recognition.
The Birth of BARADA: A Vision for Chocolate with a Soul
Shbib’s vision for BARADA was clear from the beginning: to build a company with soul, offering more than just a product, but a purpose. “I didn’t want to build just another chocolate brand. I wanted to build a company with a soul,” he says.
The challenge was not only in creating a chocolate bar but in redefining what luxury meant in an increasingly ethical world. BARADA’s mission was to show that a brand built on integrity, sustainability, and exceptional flavor could succeed. From the outset, BARADA worked directly with small family cacao farmers across Thailand, ensuring full traceability of every ingredient.
The focus on sourcing was key. Unlike many premium chocolate brands that rely on imported cacao, BARADA sources its cacao locally from regions in Thailand known for their naturally aromatic, low-heavy-metal beans. This ensures a distinct and rich flavor profile while supporting local farmers with fair trade practices and above-market rates.
Overcoming Obstacles: From Startup Struggles to Award-Winning Brand
Like many entrepreneurial ventures, Shbib faced significant challenges in building his brand. The Thai chocolate industry was virtually untapped, and creating a luxury chocolate product required exceptional craftsmanship, logistics, and marketing expertise. Competing with major names in the global chocolate market was a steep climb.
“We started with nothing but a belief and a vision,” Shbib recalls. “Building a global luxury brand from a small, local product was a huge challenge, but it was a challenge we were ready for.”
The turning point came when BARADA’s first batch of chocolate bars was launched. The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to recognition within the industry. BARADA was later honored as the “Luxury Chocolate Brand of the Year” by Corporate LiveWire Global Awards, a reflection of its innovative approach and commitment to quality.
Shbib’s leadership and strategic decisions played a crucial role. His commitment to sustainability and direct engagement with farmers allowed BARADA to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with consumers who demand transparency and responsibility from luxury brands.
A Sustainable Luxury: The BARADA Difference
What makes BARADA stand out in the competitive world of luxury chocolate? It’s the combination of craftsmanship, ethics, and Thai origin. “What makes BARADA different is the way we combine craftsmanship, ethics, and Thai origin to create a new definition of modern luxury chocolate,” says Shbib.
While other luxury chocolate brands rely on imported cacao, BARADA’s direct relationships with small farms allow for a level of freshness and transparency that few competitors can match. In addition to producing high-quality chocolate, the brand is committed to sustainability: paying farmers a fair income, preserving Thai cacao, and supporting the communities that grow the beans.
These practices have elevated the perception of Thai cacao globally and provided farmers with greater income stability. By paying above market rates and ensuring traceable supply chains, BARADA is helping preserve the heritage of Thai cacao.
Recognition and Growth: Turning a Small Idea into a Global Brand
As BARADA’s reputation grew, so did its presence in the luxury market. Competing with major global players, BARADA earned recognition for its ethical business practices and commitment to quality, being named the “Best Sustainable Luxury Chocolate Brand” in the Asia Pacific region for 2025. This acknowledgment further solidified its position as a leader in sustainable chocolate production.
However, for Shbib, the accolades are secondary to the positive impact the brand has made on the communities it serves. “I’m proudest not of the awards, but of the communities we uplift and the people who grow with us,” he shares.
BARADA’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership. It proves that ethical business practices and world-class craftsmanship can create a brand that not only thrives but also elevates others along the way.
The Leadership Philosophy Behind BARADA’s Success
Shbib’s leadership philosophy has been integral to BARADA’s success. “Leadership to me means choosing integrity even when it’s slower, harder, or less profitable in the short term,” he says. This dedication to doing things the right way, even when challenging, has contributed to BARADA’s rise as a globally recognized leader in sustainable luxury chocolate.
His belief that every great brand starts with a powerful belief has fueled BARADA’s success. “Every great brand starts with a belief. Mine was simple: chocolate should be exceptional in taste and responsible in its impact,” he explains.
Experience the Difference with BARADA Chocolate
As BARADA continues to grow, it invites chocolate lovers and those who value ethical consumption to experience the difference craftsmanship, sustainability, and purpose can make. Whether enjoying a rich bar of dark chocolate with roasted almonds or exploring BARADA’s full range of products, every bite contributes to supporting a sustainable future for cacao farmers in Thailand.
Explore BARADA’s products and learn more about their mission at BaradaChocolate.com. Discover the luxury of a brand that’s changing the world, one chocolate bar at a time.
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