A new artisanal chocolate brand has been stirring excitement in Guyana; Naiya Kartick-Bulkan’s Quai Craft Chocolate, a venture born of a lifelong passion for the rich, velvety treat. The name “Quai,” she revealed, is a blend of her nickname and her daughter Quinn’s name. It encapsulates the personal essence of the brand.
Kartick-Bulkan’s journey into the chocolate world began with a simple yet profound inspiration: the birth of her daughter. With a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Toronto under her belt, she returned home, ignited by her new role as a mother and a budding chocolatier. “I wanted to create premium chocolates made from locally sourced cocoa,” she said, adding that she was driven by a desire to showcase Guyana’s rich agricultural heritage.
After honing her skills at Gastronomicom, an international culinary school in France, where she specialised in desserts, Kartick-Bulkan returned to Guyana in 2016. Despite her culinary training, chocolate making was uncharted territory. “I had no prior knowledge of chocolate making until I began researching it,” she admitted. With encouragement from her supportive family, Kartick-Bulkan embarked on her chocolate-making quest, investing in her first machine in 2021 and experimenting with local cocoa beans to perfect her craft.
Quai Craft Chocolate sources its beans from Hosororo Hill in the Barima-Waini region. “We prioritise using beans grown right here in Guyana,” Kartick-Bulkan emphasised.
“This not only elevates the chocolate but also supports local farmers.” In addition, Quai Craft Chocolate boasts innovative flavour combinations that incorporate indigenous fruits, resulting in a symphony of taste that celebrates both local culture and global chocolate trends.
From bean to bar, the process is meticulous. “We grind, handcraft, and mould our chocolate in micro-batches to maintain its quality and taste,” she explained. This is a testament to her commitment to excellence. Among her creations, one flavour stands out: an eggnog-inspired chocolate bar featuring gingerbread cookie crunch. “It tasted exactly like Christmas in your mouth,” she beamed, reminiscing about this limited-edition holiday treat that delighted customers two years ago.
However, Kartick-Bulkan’s path hasn’t been without challenges. Sourcing a consistent supply of high-quality cocoa beans has proven difficult as demand for Quai’s products grows. Yet, her tenacity shines through. Recently, Quai Craft Chocolate earned a bronze medal for its 70% Cinnamon Sorrel bar at the International Chocolate Awards, making history as the first locally crafted chocolate from Guyana to receive such recognition.
Community engagement is also a cornerstone of Quai’s mission. “Our cocoa is sourced directly from the Blue Flame Women’s Group, who get the cocoa pods from a collective of small holder farmers who use traditional cultivation methods to produce premium beans in fertile soil and ideal conditions,” she shared. This supports local women and their families, fostering empowerment through sustainable practices.
Looking to the future, Kartick-Bulkan is dreaming big. “I aim to win a gold medal in a craft chocolate competition,” she declared, stating that she is aspiring to elevate Quai Craft Chocolate to international acclaim. Though she remains tight-lipped about upcoming flavours, she hints at exciting new projects on the horizon.
Creating chocolate is more than just a business for Kartick-Bulkan, it’s a passion project. “It combines my love for all things sweet, science, and creativity,” she said, adding that she balances the artistic and business aspects of her craft with the help of programmes designed for small businesses in Guyana.
For aspiring artisanal food entrepreneurs, her advice is clear: “Take the time to develop your product, start small, and test the market.
Know your worth and don’t undersell yourself.” With determination and creativity, Kartick-Bulkan shows that success in the chocolate world—and beyond—is well within reach.
As she continues to explore flavours inspired by her favourite season, Christmas, perhaps a black cake chocolate bar is on the horizon, or maybe even more surprising ingredients. After all, in the world of Quai Craft Chocolate, the only limit is the imagination.
Quai Craft Chocolate is available at Babe Cave, 129A Duncan Street, Georgetown; and New Era Gift Shop at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
