Katrina Markoff

Katrina Markoff is an American entrepreneur and master chocolatier recognized for her contributions to the specialty chocolate industry. Markoff graduated from Vanderbilt University with degrees in chemistry and psychology before attending Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. She gained culinary experience in professional kitchens across France, Spain—where she apprenticed under chef Ferran Adrià at elBulli—Italy, Southeast Asia, and Australia. These international experiences influenced her approach to chocolate making.

Markoff is the founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat, a gourmet chocolate company known for incorporating global ingredients and flavors inspired by her travels. Working from her Chicago apartment, she developed specialty chocolates featuring ingredients such as Japanese wasabi, Italian taleggio cheese, and Mexican ancho chili. Her products were first sold at Neiman Marcus and later in her own Chicago retail store. Vosges Haut-Chocolat became known for its unique truffles and storytelling through chocolate, encouraging consumers to explore diverse cultures through flavor.

Under Markoff's leadership, Vosges Haut-Chocolat grew into an internationally recognized brand. The company’s products have been featured in Food & Wine, which named Vosges the best chocolate in the U.S., and National Geographic, which included it among the 10 best in the world. Markoff expanded her business with "Wild Ophelia," a more accessible chocolate line that also launched an accelerator program for young women interested in the food industry, offering internships and grants to support their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Markoff has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company, inclusion in Fortune Magazine's 40 Under 40, the Bon Appétit Food Artisan of the Year Award, and recognition as an innovator in chocolate by Food & Wine Magazine. She was named Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by OPEN from American Express and Entrepreneur Magazine and was selected as a White House Champion of Change for her contributions to small business innovation in the specialty food sector. Goldman Sachs also recognized her as one of their Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs.

After her tenure at Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Markoff launched Violet Flame Chocolate, a Chicago-based luxury brand specializing in energy-infused chocolates that incorporate botanicals and ancient elixirs. Her career reflects a commitment to creativity, resilience, and innovation in the chocolate and specialty food industries.