About

Zam Artisan Chocolates & Confections

Authentic French Confections, Handcrafted with Heart

About Zam Artisan
Founded in Marin County, CA in 2015 on Etsy by French-born Chef and Chocolatier Jafer and his wife Christel, Zam Artisan Chocolates & Confections began as a labor of love — a way to share the timeless sweets of their childhood with a new generation of discerning palates. Since then, Zam has earned over 1,300 five-star reviews, and now, with the launch of our official online boutique, we invite you to experience our best-selling confections with ease.

Zam specializes in handcrafted French sweets — from traditional pâtes de fruits to soft nougats and refined chocolate creations. Every piece is made in the old-world style: no additives, no preservatives, no GMOs, and no shortcuts. Chef Jafer personally selects premium ingredients, often sourced from Northern California’s finest local farms, and works in rhythm with the seasons to create exceptional, nuanced flavors.

Our chocolate is thoughtfully chosen from top producers in Belgium, Italy, and France, made from high-quality beans and crafted for purity and depth. Every batch is made-to-order in small quantities to ensure peak freshness and flavor. From pâte to palet, every creation is made — and wrapped — by hand, in a kitchen, not a factory.

At Zam, excellence isn’t just a goal — it’s our standard. And we believe you’ll taste the difference in every bite.

Meet the Maker: Chef Jafer

Raised in the quiet countryside of Beaujolais, France, Chef Jafer began cooking at a young age. With over 30 years of experience in the kitchens of New York and San Francisco’s most renowned hotels and restaurants, including the Mandarin Oriental SF, The Polo Lounge NYC, and alongside culinary legends like Claude Troisgros and Pilati in France, Chef Jafer brings a mastery of technique and a love for tradition to everything he makes.

His journey into confectionery was born out of passion — a quiet moment during the intensity of professional kitchens, where a piece of chocolate offered a moment of calm. Over time, that moment grew into a calling. After further study with French and American chocolatiers, Chef Jafer returned to the roots of his culinary memory — recreating the flavors, textures, and magic of the sweets from his youth.