Who We Are

A Journey of Family, Tradition, and Flavor from the Alpujarra

History of Abuela Ili Chocolates: artisan chocolate tradition in the Alpujarra

Years ago, in the heart of La Alpujarra, a beautiful and slightly crazy idea was born: to open a small chocolate factory. It all started with the aroma of cocoa filling the kitchen, with Mauri and his mother working together, shaping dreams into artisan chocolate. With no grand plans, just affection, excitement, and the desire to share happiness with every bite.

The story of Abuela Ili begins long before, on the other side of the ocean, in Mendoza (Argentina). That’s where Lidia —“ili”, as they called her—, was born, who sowed the seed of what we are today. After years of changes, life took the family to Granada and, in the magical Alpujarra, cocoa found its definitive home.

A Family that Grows with You

The first years were pure effort and heart. Mauri, with his mother by his side, spent hours in the kitchen preparing the first fig chocolates and the chocolate bark that everyone fell in love with. With the car loaded, they traveled through the towns of the Alpujarra, business to business, offering the chocolate made with their own hands. Each stop was a smile, a conversation, and a “thank you” that pushed them to continue.

In 2003, one of those moments that mark you forever arrived: Mauri’s mother passed away. It was then that he decided to settle in Pampaneira, where the murmur of tourists and the rhythm of the town gave him strength to continue. At that same time, his daughter Andrea was born, marking a new chapter. What was once called Chocolate de la Sierra became something much bigger: Abuela Ili, a living tribute to his mother and everything she represented.

Abuela Ili Chocolates

“Chocolate de la Sierra”

Since then, the Pampaneira factory has been much more than a workplace. It is a corner where time seems to stand still; where cocoa mixes with stories, with laughter, and with the pride of doing things well. Here, each bar, each chocolate, each cup of hot chocolate, carries a piece of longing and a lot of heart.

Over the years, the project grew without losing its essence. Today, thousands of people visit the stores in Pampaneira and Capileira, and many others discover our chocolate from anywhere in the world thanks to the online store. But, despite the distance, everything still has the same authentic flavor as those beginnings in the kitchen at home.

If you want to discover recipes, stories, and cocoa facts, stop by our blog. Questions or special orders? We’re just a click away: contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Factory?

In Pampaneira, in the Alpujarra region of Granada (Granada, Spain). See how to get here.

Do You Ship Internationally?

Yes. We ship worldwide through our online shop.

Is the Chocolate Artisan?

Yes. We make chocolate by hand, taking care of every detail from the origin of the cocoa to the packaging. More on the blog.

Can I Visit your Stores?

Sure. We are waiting for you at the Pampaneira factory and at the Capileira store. Check the hours.

Do You Offer Gluten-Free or Nut-Free Options?

We list the allergens in each product. Always check the details in the online shop.

A family journey of tradition and flavor from La Alpujarra

Abuela Ili Chocolates: the story of artisan chocolate in La Alpujarra

Years ago, in the heart of La Alpujarra, a beautiful and slightly crazy idea was born: to open a small chocolate workshop. It all began with the aroma of cocoa filling the family kitchen, with Mauri and his mother working side by side, shaping dreams into artisan chocolate. No big plans—just care, excitement, and the wish to share happiness with every bite.

Abuela Ili’s story starts earlier, across the ocean in Mendoza, Argentina. That’s where Lidia—“ili,” as everyone called her—was born, planting the seed of what we are today. After years of change, life took the family to Granada and, in magical La Alpujarra, cocoa found its final home.

A family that grows with you

The early years were all effort and heart. With his mother at his side, Mauri spent hours in the kitchen preparing the first fig bonbons and the branch-style chocolate that won everyone over. Car packed, they toured the villages of La Alpujarra, shop by shop, offering chocolate made with their own hands. Every stop brought a smile, a chat, and a “thank you” that kept them going.

In 2003, a defining moment arrived: Mauri’s mother passed away. He then settled in Pampaneira, where the flow of visitors and village life gave him strength to continue. Around that time his daughter Andrea was born, opening a new chapter. What had been Chocolate de la Sierra became something much bigger: Abuela Ili—a living tribute to his mother and all she stood for.

Abuela Ili Chocolates

“Chocolate de la Sierra”

Since then, the Pampaneira workshop has been much more than a workplace. It’s a corner where time seems to stop, where cocoa blends with stories, laughter, and the pride of doing things well. Here, every bar, every bonbon, every cup of hot chocolate carries a touch of nostalgia and a lot of heart.

Over the years, the project has grown without losing its essence. Today, thousands of people visit our shops in Pampaneira and Capileira, and many more discover our chocolate from anywhere in the world thanks to the online shop. Despite the distance, everything still tastes like those early days in the home kitchen.

Curious about recipes, stories and cocoa facts? Visit our blog. Questions or special orders? We’re one click away: contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the workshop?

In Pampaneira, in La Alpujarra of Granada (Granada, Spain). See how to get here.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship worldwide through our online shop.

Is the chocolate handmade?

Yes. We make chocolate by hand, caring for every detail from the cocoa source to the wrapper. Learn more on the blog.

Can I visit your stores?

Absolutely. Visit our Pampaneira workshop and our Capileira store. Check hours.

Do you offer gluten-free or nut-free options?

Allergens are listed on each product. Always check the product page in the online shop.

Un voyage de famille, de tradition et de saveurs depuis l’Alpujarra

Abuela Ili Chocolates : histoire du chocolat artisanal dans l’Alpujarra

Il y a des années, au cœur de l’Alpujarra, est née une idée belle et un peu folle : ouvrir un petit atelier de chocolat. Tout a commencé avec l’arôme du cacao emplissant la cuisine familiale, tandis que Mauri et sa mère travaillaient côte à côte, donnant forme à des rêves en chocolat artisanal. Pas de grands plans : seulement du soin, de l’enthousiasme et l’envie de partager du bonheur à chaque bouchée.

L’histoire d’Abuela Ili commence bien plus tôt, de l’autre côté de l’océan, à Mendoza (Argentine). C’est là que Lidia — « ili », comme on l’appelait — est née, plantant la graine de ce que nous sommes aujourd’hui. Après des années de changements, la vie a conduit la famille jusqu’à Grenade et, dans la magique Alpujarra, le cacao a trouvé sa maison définitive.

Une famille qui grandit avec vous

Les premières années furent un mélange d’effort et de cœur. Avec sa mère à ses côtés, Mauri passait des heures en cuisine à préparer les premiers chocolats aux figues et le chocolat en branches qui ont conquis tout le monde. Voiture chargée, ils parcouraient les villages de l’Alpujarra, commerce après commerce, en proposant leur chocolat fait main. Chaque halte apportait un sourire, une discussion et un « merci » qui les poussait à continuer.

In 2003, a defining moment occurred: Mauri’s mother passed away. He then decided to settle in Pampaneira, where the murmur of visitors and the rhythm of the village gave him the strength to move forward. At the same time, his daughter Andrea was born, opening a new stage. What was called Chocolate de la Sierra then became bigger: Abuela Ili, a living tribute to his mother and all that she represented.

Abuela Ili Chocolates

“Chocolate de la Sierra”

Since then, the Pampaneira workshop is much more than a workplace. It is a place where time seems to stand still; where cocoa mingles with stories, laughter, and the pride of a job well done. Here, each bar, each chocolate, each cup of hot chocolate carries a bit of nostalgia and a lot of heart.

Over the years, the project has grown without losing its essence. Today, thousands of people visit our stores in Pampaneira and Capileira, and many others discover our chocolate all over the world thanks to the online store. Despite the distance, everything retains the authentic taste of the beginnings in the family kitchen.

Fancy recipes, stories, and anecdotes about cocoa? Visit our blog. Questions or special orders? We are just a click away: contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the workshop located?

In Pampaneira, in the heart of the Alpujarra of Granada (Granada, Spain). See how to get there.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship worldwide via our online store.

Is the chocolate artisanal?

Yes. We make the chocolate by hand, taking care of every detail, from the origin of the cocoa to the packaging. More info on the blog.

Can I visit your stores?

Of course. We welcome you to the Pampaneira workshop and the Capileira store. Check the hours.

Do you offer gluten-free or nut-free options?

Allergens are indicated on each product. Always check the product sheet in the online store.