Founder & CEO
Gino Dalla Gasperina
Origin: Born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Founded Meridian Cacao Co. at the age of 24.
Expertise: Resident customs and export wizard. Responsible for all things sourcing and logistics at Meridian, as well as the benign administrative and janitorial tasks associated with small business.
Fun: Perfecting the Negroni. Growing old with family and friends. All things automobiles
TRINIDAD SOURCING
Sarah Bharath
Origin: The hot humid streets of Central, Trinidad. Sarah worked at the Cocoa Research Centre at the University of West Indies for 100 years prior to ditching decent work clothes and fancy to work in the cacao trenches in her beloved muddied overalls alongside witty farmers.
Expertise: Working with farmers- aligning quality with understanding through tasting (nearly every darn thing and then some!
Fun: Paddling in all its forms, especially Dragon Boat racing, canoeing and SUP.
QUALITY CONTROL
Nicole Mascorro
Origin: Portland's classic Northern California transplant. After completing her undergraduate in environmental economics, and a masters certificate in Sustainable food systems she has decided to explore what the world of cacao has to offer.
Expertise: All things testing and tasting. Making sure only the best of the best land in your hands. Also the one handling your questions, comments, and concerns via email and social channels.
Fun: Retired dancer turned mediocre weightlifter. Dog mom to the two cutest pitties there ever was. Best baker she's ever met in her life.
(If you actually read these here is a sneaky discount code for you: secretbeans)