QUON Chocolate: Pioneering Social Responsibility and Excellence in Japan’s Confectionery Industry

Ascending the Chocolate Industry: QUON’s Vision and Social Mission

QUON Chocolate, a popular Japanese chocolate specialty store, has set an ambitious goal despite ranking just within the top 50 in Japan’s annual Valentine’s Day chocolate brand survey. Founder Kojiro Natsume envisions making QUON the premier chocolate brand in Japan and globally. His aim isn’t just for fame; it’s to demonstrate that employing individuals with disabilities can lead to creating world-class products. QUON’s specialty, the QUON Terrine, a slab chocolate integrating over 150 local Japanese agricultural products, has garnered widespread consumer appeal. Since its establishment in 2014, QUON has expanded from Aichi Prefecture to over 40 stores nationwide, boasting an annual revenue of 1.8 billion yen. Natsume’s success stems not only from high-quality, value-added products but also from his commitment to social responsibility, particularly in providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Empowering Through Employment: QUON’s Inclusive Workforce

At QUON, out of 700 employees, 430 are individuals with disabilities. Natsume has established the Powder…