Céline Nativel and David Mullner of Maison Multi, Penticton's Chocolatiers.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

PENTICTON - Tucked away in an obscure retail outlet far from Penticton’s downtown core is a sweet secret that won’t remain that way for long.

Céline Nativel and David Mullner are the owners and operators of “Maison Mulnati,” makers of fine French vegan chocolates.

Nativel and Mullner opened their outlet in September, featuring vegan chocolates containing organic fruits sourced locally when possible, gluten-free, low sugar, and ethically and sustainably-sourced chocolate.

All nuts and seeds used in the chocolates are “activated,” which means soaked overnight and then dried. The process increases the nutrient value of the nut and breaks down problematic compounds.

Nativel says the couple sourced dairy alternatives, using such things as almond milk, in addition to using real mint and coffee in their products, all supplied locally.

Chocolate development was a long process, Nativel said.

“You can’t learn to do vegan chocolate anywhere. It was a lot of work and a lot of experimenting, a lot of trial and error, to get it right,” she said.

“We are now pretty satisfied with our products."

The couple arrived in Penticton from France two years ago. They were looking to do something different, and they veered far from their previous career paths — Céline was a psychologist and David was a physiotherapist in France.

People are still discovering the shop, located at 756 Eckhardt Ave.

“We’re not well located on the street. The parking is OK, but it’s a driveway and people don’t see it,” Nativel says.

“We say we are across from the casino, and people still say, ‘where?’"

Nativel says people often tell them, “well, it was difficult to find you but for good chocolate, we’ll always find a way.”

Maison Mulnati has a booth at the Farmer’s Market this year and the couple also attend vegan and other special events.

“We hear people say they don’t like vegan, and we ask them to give it a try. Many say it’s the best chocolate they’ve ever had,” Nativel said.

Maison Mulnati may not be that easy to find, but it's definitely worth the look, if you like chocolate.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

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