About Surmonté
In September 2004, Darlene Olson and Jim
Skinner started Surmonté Company in their
hometown of Santa Cruz, California. They chose
the name "Surmonté", a French word that means
to go beyond or to surpass, which is evident in
the "over-the-top" quality found in their products.
Darlene's quest to find high-quality chocolate started at an early age and has since taken many twists and turns that eventually led to the creation of Surmonté Company. While most kids are content to follow recipes, young Darlene was an ambitious baker and chocolate lover, but was never quite satisfied until she had found the perfect chocolate for the recipe. "Even as a kid, I was altering recipes for cookies. I discovered that by substituting chocolate chips for cocoa powder, the chocolate flavor was enhanced with better texture and flavor," recalled Darlene, a longtime Santa Cruz resident. Growing up in Westport, Oregon, on the border of Oregon and Washington State, Darlene would find comfort in a cup of hot chocolate during the chilly, Northwest winters. As she grew older and traveled extensively, Darlene's passion to find the perfect hot chocolate increased...seeking, "a creamy texture, not too sweet, without the after-taste that powders produced."
While her career path led her to become an accountant, Darlene's zeal for topnotch chocolate remained a constant — and one that she shares with her partner, Jim. When Darlene's bookkeeping skills landed her as manager of Santa Cruz's Café Pergolesi in the mid-80's, Darlene finally had a chance to experiment in making the "Perfect Hot Chocolate," while also mastering the fine art of coffee blends. Then in 2004, Darlene was invited to design and manage a coffee bar for a local car wash. "I had the opportunity to develop a great product using only the finest natural ingredients, and this became the launching pad for Surmonté products — Fresh Chocolat Sauce, Freshly Roasted Coffee and Gift Baskets. One taste of Surmonté Fresh Chocolat Sauce and you will immediately discern the difference in quality from standard "off the shelf" chocolate sauces! This rich and creamy Fresh Chocolat Sauce, with its distinct yet subtle hints of pure vanilla, could be habit forming. Enjoy Surmonté Fresh Chocolat Sauce any way you can imagine, but here are some suggestions:
- Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate, just follow instructions on inside lid
- Warm and drizzle over premium ice cream or your favorite desserts
- Great for chocolate fondue...dip strawberries, angel food cake, pretzels...
- Bring to room temperature and use for icing cakes and brownies
Learn more about our chocolate, where to buy and Upcoming Events.