Norman Love has been producing beautiful handcrafted chocolate in Fort Myers, Florida, since 2001. With an emphasis on artistry, premium ingredients, and innovative flavor combinations, the renowned chocolatier has earned significant national and international acclaim for his edible masterpieces. He is the author of Artistry in Chocolate: A Story of Love.
“My team and I are truly dedicated to the relentless pursuit of innovation, excellence and quality, and that’s why we have been able to grow without compromising quality,” Love says. “We come to work to be the best every day and to be better than we were yesterday.”
In 2014, Love was named as one of the 10 most influential pastry professionals to present at the inaugural World Pastry Stars, an international congress of pastry chefs in Milan. The following year he participated in the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival to benefit No Kid Hungry and Food Bank For New York City.
An early love of art and baking first inspired Love to pursue a career in the culinary world. After learning the craft of pastry making in France, he accepted the role of corporate executive pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton. During his 13-year tenure with the luxury hotel, Love oversaw all pastry and baking operations, opening 30 resort pastry kitchens. In 2001, the culinary virtuoso left the corporate world and entered into private enterprise with the founding of Norman Love Confections. His adventurous flair, love of the avant-garde, and penchant for perfection are basic ingredients in the ultra-premium chocolates he produces.
A decade later, Love opened a second chocolate and dessert salon in Naples, Florida. And in 2012, Artisan Gelato by Norman Love opened next to the Fort Myers chocolate and dessert salon off Daniels Parkway. A third chocolate salon opened in Miromar Outlets in Estero in 2014, and a fourth on McGregor Boulevard in 2016.
“I’m seeing a continued increase in ultra-premium chocolates,” Love says. “The use of high-quality, premium ingredients has become important to American consumers, and the rise in sales in our industry. More artisan chocolate shops are opening up around the country and, as a result, consumers are becoming more savvy and interested in true high quality, handmade, ultra-premium chocolates.”