RECOGNIZED BY FORBES • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC • BON APPÉTIT • FAST COMPANY • ENTREPRENEUR • AMERICAN EXPRESS • THE NEW YORK TIMES • FOOD & WINE

A LEGACY OF RECOGNITION

Press & Recognition

For more than three decades, Katrina Markoff has explored the intersection of exceptional cacao, rare botanicals, neuroscience, and global culinary traditions. Her work has challenged conventional ideas about chocolate, bringing together ingredient intelligence, sensory experience, and cultural storytelling in ways that have influenced both the culinary world and the broader creative community.
Today, through Violet Flame Chocolate, she continues to expand the conversation around cacao, perception, imagination, and the role of food as a catalyst for human experience.

Editorial Coverage

In the Press

Selected features, interviews and editorial recognition spanning Katrina Markoff's work and Violet Flame Chocolate.

2026
Forbes

2026 50 Over 50: Lifestyle

Katrina Markoff is named to Forbes' 2026 50 Over 50: Lifestyle list.

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Trend Hunter

Neuroscience-Inspired Chocolate Lines

Violet Flame is featured for its approach to biodynamic cacao, regenerative agriculture, neuroscience and ritual-centered chocolate.

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VoyageLA

Rising Stars: Meet Katrina Markoff of Chicago and LA

Katrina shares her story, creative path and the ideas shaping Violet Flame Chocolate.

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2024
2017
2013
2012
2011

Career Recognition

Honors & Recognition

Selected honors recognizing Katrina Markoff's contributions to chocolate, creativity, entrepreneurship and culinary culture.

The White House

Champion of Change: Small Business

Recognized during the Obama administration for her work as an entrepreneur and small business leader.
Obama Administration
View White House Archive ↗
Bon Appétit

Food Artisan of the Year

Culinary Recognition
Katrina Markoff, founder of Violet Flame Chocolate

Press Inquiries

For press, interviews & media inquiries.

For interviews with Katrina Markoff, press materials, imagery, or information about Violet Flame Chocolate, please get in touch.

vfchocolatepr@shorefire.com ↗
Violet Flame Chocolate · Chicago