press kit - The Markoff Group

press kit
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Vosges Haut-Chocolat creations are made with the finest ingredients from around the world,
sourced by Owner and Chocolatier Katrina Markoff. Three days following graduation from
Vanderbilt University Katrina headed to Paris to pursue her dream of studying the culinary
arts at Le Cordon Bleu. Then, using her palate as her guide, she embarked on a world tour
that commenced with an apprenticeship in Spain under the direction of Ferran Adria and
continued eastbound through nine countries. The purple house of Vosges Haut-Chocolat and
the concept of Travel the World through Chocolate were inspired by her travels, and seeks to
create a sustainable luxury chocolate experience while bringing about awareness of the world’s
cultures by fusing a gamut of indigenous spices, flowers, roots, herbs and liqueurs with premium
chocolate. Katrina is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Bon Appetit Food
Artisan of the Year Award and was selected as one of the top 35 Culinary Artists by Food &
Wine Magazine. Katrina is constantly working to improve and expand her mission of bringing
peace to the world through chocolate, and her latest undertaking— the building of a platinum
LEED certified green manufacturing facility— is evidence of both her global awareness and
dedication to her ever-evolving brand.
*Vosges Haut-Chocolat is Certified WBE and operates on 100% renewable energy
Member of the WBENC
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the nation’s largest third party certifier of
businesses owned and operated by women in the United States. WBENC is a resource for the
more than 700 US companies and government agencies that rely on WBENC’s certification as
an integral part of their supplier diversity programs.
Katrina Markoff
Owner | Founder | Chocolatier
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Katrina Markoff is a daring soul. An Indiana native with Macedonian roots, she’s that rare
combination of artist and entrepreneur who’s able to take unlikely ingredients and turn them into
gold. Her grandmother, who taught her that love can start in a kitchen, wasn’t surprised when
Markoff presented chocolates in a hatbox, but truffle lovers were blown away. And they weren’t
the only ones to sit up and ask for more.
Owner and creative force behind Vosges Haut-Chocolat, is a 1995 graduate of Vanderbilt
University with degrees in Psychology and Chemistry. Three days following graduation Markoff
left to pursue her dream of culinary arts in Paris. She studied for one year at Le Cordon Bleu
and graduated with Le Grand Diplome in Cuisine and Pastry as well as degrees in Basic and
Advanced Oenology.
From Paris, Markoff embarked on an 8 month tour around the world studying food. She worked
from place to place, studying the indigenous cuisines of France, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Korea,
Vietnam, Singapore, China, Australia and Hawaii.
She apprenticed at restaurants including the Hotel Crillon in Paris, France, El Bulli in Rosas, Spain,
as well as Arzak, and Martin Berasategui both located in San Sebastian, Spain. She graduated
from The Thai Cooking School at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, and Chiva Som School
in Hua Hin, Thailand. During her travels through Asia she was inspired by the local spice and food
markets.
Based on these international experiences, she developed the concept of ‘exotic truffles.’ Fusing
a gamut of indigenous spices, flowers, roots, herbs and liqueurs with premium chocolate, she
created a unique tasting experience with each truffle. Beckoning consumers to step into the
now; to indulge each sense of smell, taste, hear, touch and sight with every bite they take.
Markoff is responsible for all culinary operations at Vosges Haut-Chocolat including research
and development. Markoff creates the unique marketing pieces and creatively seeks partnership
opportunities for the ever-evolving company. Her direction and drive is always forward,
developing the business on an ongoing basis, all the while creating a corporate culture which
strives to find a balance of mind, body and spirit within the workplace. Visit their yoga/
meditation room in their corporate headquarters and you will understand what makes this
company not your average box of chocolates.
Accolades:
Entrepreneur Magazine and OPEN American Express Woman of the Year 2008
Certified WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise)
Bon Appetit Magazine’s Food Artisan of the Year 2004
Food & Wine Top 35 Culinary Artists 2004
Inc Magazine 500 list Fastest Growing Companies in the US 2004, 2005, 2006
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist 2004
Crain’s Business 40 under 40 2002
Famous Lips have encountered Vosges Haut-Chocolat…
Rachel McAdams
Dita Von Teese
Brooke Shields
Chris Rock
Susan Sarandon
Uma Thurman
Kelly Ripa
Eve Steven Tyler
Lenny Kravitz
Bruce Springsteen
Ryan GosslingCarla Gugino
Jennifer BielMariska Hartigay
Jennifer GarnerCameron Diaz
Sharon StoneIsabella Rosselini
Claire DanesJason Bateman
John LithgowBenicio del Toro
Mary Louise Parker
David Schwimmer
Jeffrey TamborBobbi Brown
Robin WilliamsLisa Edelstein
Dave MatthewsKeith Richards
Carla GuginoGoldie Hawn
where you can buy it,
Vosges Haut-Chocolat Vosges Haut-ChocolatVosges Haut-Chocolat
520 N Michigan Ave
132 Spring StreetForum Shops Caesar’s Palace
Chicago, IL 60611
New York, NY 10012Las Vegas, NV 312.644.9450
212.625.2929702.836.9866 Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
951 West Armitage
1100 Madison Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
New York, NY 10028
773.296.9866
212.717.2929
vosgeschocolate.com
888-301-9866
Bergdorf Goodman, New York
Neiman Marcus, Nationally
Selfridges, United Kingdom
Dean and DeLuca, Japan
Where we put our hearts and our money…
V-Day ~ The global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Vosges Haut-Chocolat
is proud to be donating 25% of profits from the sale of Sophie’s Boite a Chapeau to V-Day’s
incredible mission,10% of the profits from the sale of the Aztec Collection., and $1 for every
Creole bar sale.
Little Kids Rock ~ Today, millions of kids in the US receive no music education. Little Kids Rock
is a nonprofit organization that restores and revitalizes music education in our public schools.
Vosges Haut-Chocolat will donate 10% of the sales from the Groove Collection to Little Kids
Rock.
Press Contact
Natalie Markoff
The Markoff Group
646.688.5254
Natalie@themarkoffgroup.com
Wholesale Contact
Joyce Polise
Vosges Haut Chocolat
773.435.0080
joyce@vosgeschocolate.com