Marou
Vincent Mourou, co-founder and CEO of Marou Chocolate

Vietnam’s award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate maker

Founded in 2011 by French entrepreneurs Samuel Maruta and Vincent Mourou, Marou has become a globally celebrated brand for its premium dark chocolate made entirely from Vietnamese cacao. Known for its exceptional flavor, ethical sourcing, and artisanal craftsmanship, Marou has earned international recognition, including Gold Medal awards for its bean-to-bar creations. 

Three core business segments of Marou Chocolate:

1. Retail

Marou operates a growing network of over 20 stores across Vietnam, including: 

  • Maison Marou (flagship stores popular with tourists) 
  • Marou Café 
  • Marou Station 

These locations span major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Nha Trang, offering immersive chocolate experiences that blend retail, café culture, and storytelling. 

2. Wholesale

Marou supplies its branded products to: 

  • Travel retail channels, including airports 
  • Leading food retail chains throughout Vietnam such as An Nam Gourmet, Nam An Market…

This segment strengthens Marou’s domestic presence and brand visibility among both locals and international travelers. 

 

3. Export

Marou exports its products to numerous countries, including France and the United States. 

In the U.S., Marou’s chocolate is available through Whole Foods Market and Amazon.com, showcasing its appeal to global consumers who value quality and origin. 

Marou products on Amazon

Scaling impact and elevating Vietnamese chocolate through strategic partnership

The company collaborates with over 500 cacao farmers across seven provinces, ensuring sustainable sourcing and fair-trade practices. Marou has also gained international recognition, winning awards such as the Gold International Chocolate Awards and being featured in The New York Times as The Best Chocolate You’ve Never Tasted – The New York Times 

In 2021, Marou entered a transformative phase following an investment from Mekong Enterprise Fund IV (MEF IV). This strategic partnership provided the capital and support needed to scale operations and deepen impact across multiple fronts. 

The two founders of Marou Chocolate, Sam Maruta (on the left) and Vincent Mourou (on the far right)
Marou collaborates with over 500 farmers across 7 provinces

These accomplishments include:

  • Expanded retail footprints from 3 Marou stores to over 20 nationwide, domestic wholesales partners and oversea wholesales partners.  
  • Developed new product lines featuring local Vietnamese ingredients, such as Soft-Dried Fruits Coated in Marou’s signature chocolate, a product that quickly became a customer favorite. 
  • Built a new factory in 2024 with larger production capacity, enabling Marou to meet growing demand both domestically and internationally. 

This partnership has helped Marou not only grow its presence in Vietnam but also deepen its impact on the local cacao ecosystem and elevate Vietnamese chocolate on the global stage. 

A Marou cafe in downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Vua Nem

Vua Nem