What does "Dagoba" mean?
Dagoba is a Sanskrit word for temple. Along with wise ancient cultures, we regard chocolate as a sacred food and wanted to impart that in the name. This was not chosen for religious reasons, as we are nondenominational. The official definition is: "The Hemispherical Dome: The main mass of a stupa consists of a solid, hemispherical dome which early Buddhist refer to as a garbha ('womb' or 'container.') The stupa as a whole is called the 'dhatu-garbha.' Dhatu is Sanskrit for element. 'Dagoba,' is the short form of dhatu-garbha and the most usual designation of the stupa in Sri Lanka. This section of a stupa is an allusion to primordial, creative waters. In all the major cosmologies, life arose from the archetypal waters, a female symbol of formless potential. The dome represents the womb which issues all manifested existence and signifies this creative matrix."
What makes Dagoba different?
We believe that differences are what make the world of chocolate so wonderful, and respect the many great chocolate companies that exist. We’re equally dedicated to quality and sustainability, instead of focusing on one or the other. We work directly with producers to source cacao under equitable terms, instead of purchasing it from unknown sources under unknown terms. Our products are innovative—including unique flavor infusions and the first organic single origins on the market. The primary ingredient in our dark bars is cacao, not sugar, and we don’t add vegetable oil or fillers. All products are certified organic.
Where can I find your products?
Our products are available at local retailers and our on-line store, which offers the most complete range of products as well as gifts and gift certificates.
You can find our bars, hot chocolates and baking items at:
Andronico's (N Cal)
Central Market (Texas)
Co-op Grocery Stores (National)
Earth Fare (SE)
Elephant Pharmacy (N Cal)
Fairway Markets (NY)
Fred Meyer (Pacific NW)
Giant Eagle (E & MW)
Haggen's (Pacific NW)
Larry's Markets (Pacific NW)
Market of Choice (Pacific NW)
Molly Stones (N Cal)
New Leaf Markets (N Cal)
New Season's Market (Portland, OR)
PCC Markets (Seattle)
Pharmaca (West)
Stop n Shop, select locations (E)
Whole Foods Market (National)
Wild Oats (National)
Independent Natural foods stores
Specialty Markets
Numerous cafes and wineries
Due to the wide range of our accounts and distribution, we cannot provide a full list. Look for it the next time you shop and if you can't find Dagoba locally, ask your favorite retailer to contact us for information and assistance setting up an account or finding a regional distributor. We offer great customer service and support for our retailers!
Can I visit the Dagoba factory? Where is the factory?
Our store and tasting room are open from 10-4 on weekdays. Please
visit! We are unable to give factory tours but we've got lots of
delicious chocolate and fascinating information about chocolate for
you. We always enjoy meeting our customers and sharing our latest
products along with our love for all things cacao!
We're located at 1105 Benson Way in Ashland, OR 97520.
Note - Internet map sites will not give accurate directions.
From the South,
take exit 11 off I-5, go about .5 miles, turn right on Crowson and turn
left onto Benson (after you cross the railroad tracks).
From the North,
take Exit 14 off I-5 and turn left onto Highway 66. Continue until you
pass the golf course, turn right onto Crowson (after the golf course
netting), then turn right onto Benson after you go under the freeway
overpass.
From downtown Ashland take Siskiyou about 1 mile past Tolman Creek Road, turn left onto
Crowson then turn left onto Benson (after you cross the railroad tracks)
Ashland is nestled in the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains and known for its thriving arts community and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The region is home to wonderful wineries and artisan food producers such as the Rogue Creamery and Gary West Meats. You can learn more and plan your visit at the Ashland Chamber of Commerce Website.
Do you offer coupons?
We do not have coupons available direct from Dagoba, but you can always find "Web Specials" in our on-line store, and get sale updates via our e-newsletter. We have a coupon in the 2006 Chinook Book, available for the Portland/Eugene, Seattle/Puget Sound and Twin Cities, MN areas.