Tareq Hadhad was a Syrian refugee and is now living his new life with his entrepreneurial family in Canada’s east coast. He is the founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, the recipient of the EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2021 for Atlantic, named one of the Top 25 Immigrants in The Maritimes, selected by Google as the National Hero Case, was awarded RBC’s top Immigrant Award and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020 and Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. All of this has happened since Tareq’s arrival on Canada’s East Coast in December 2015 as a Syrian-Canadian newcomer.
In 2012 the Hadhad’s home and factory that housed the family chocolate-making business were destroyed which forced them to seek safety in other countries. A former medical student at Damascus University and long-time peacekeeping advocate, Tareq joined medical relief efforts after arriving in Lebanon. A new life began when Tareq and his family were welcomed to Canada on a community-based sponsorship.
Passionate about peace and entrepreneurship, his family relaunched the family business to recreate the chocolates they once exported across the Middle East and their story has turned into an international inspiring phenomenon.
FMM: Tell us about being a refugee and the pivotal point that led you to entrepreneurship.
The most challenging phase of my life was when I became a refugee, and this experience completely transformed my perspective on the meaning and purpose of life. In an instant, we lost everything and our lives were forever altered. Being a refugee is not a desirable outcome, nor is it a choice we make – it’s something that is forced upon us, serving as a reminder that we all share common goals, but refugees simply happened to be born in the right place at the wrong time. Although I carried the refugee title for three long years, I was thrilled to finally receive the opportunity to immigrate. While countless other countries closed their borders, Canada opened its doors to us, which made me overjoyed when I received the invitation to come. This was the happiest day of my life, and I still vividly recall every aspect of that journey. It marked a significant turning point in my life.
After arriving in Canada as a refugee, I quickly realized the importance of entrepreneurship. I understood that if I wanted to create a better life for myself and my family, I needed to take matters into my own hands and become an entrepreneur. I recognized that starting a business was not only a means of financial independence, but it was also a way to make a positive impact in my community and give back to the country that opened the doors for us. I faced numerous challenges, including language barriers. however, these obstacles only fueled my desire to be unique and seek significance. I was determined and believed that through hard work and perseverance, I could be able to start our family’s own business in Canada. It was a challenging journey, but one that was filled with many rewards. The most important one is that I was able to create jobs for others and contribute to the growth and development of my beautiful community of Antigonish.
Photo by Applehead Photography
FMM: Author Jon Tattrie wrote a book about your story which has become a bestseller. Also a feature film, Peace by Chocolate, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and launched in Cineplex theaters across Canada in the spring of 2022. What do you want people to know?
I want people to know that no one comes to their new country empty-handed. Everyone who immigrates to a new country is ready to contribute and no one takes but adds and enriches the new country that they proudly call home after arriving. I want people to know that my story is not just about being a refugee or an entrepreneur, but it’s about the power of hope, resilience, and determination. It’s about overcoming the obstacles that life throws at you and using your experiences to create something meaningful and impactful. My journey to Canada was a challenging one, but it was also filled with hope and the unwavering belief that a better future was possible. I hope that my story will inspire others to never give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. Additionally, I hope that my story will shed light on the importance of welcoming refugees and immigrants. I also hope that my story will encourage people to support local businesses and recognize the vital role they play in creating thriving communities.
FMM: What are the misnomers of being a refugee?
Misunderstandings of refugees include assumptions that they are economic migrants, a burden on society, or terrorists. Refugees are actually fleeing violence and seeking safety, not economic gain. They can be highly skilled and contribute positively to their host communities. There are also assumptions that refugees only belong to a certain geographical area around the globe while the fact is, no place around the world is immune to the crises that cause people to leave their homelands. Climate change nowadays poses a huge threat that will create new waves of refugees from across the globe.
FMM: Peace by Chocolate is a global phenomenon, it is more than a brand, it is a legacy. Tell us about your vision for your company.
The ultimate vision of Peace by Chocolate is to spread a message of peace and hope through the power of chocolate and to create a positive social impact in the communities where we operate while giving back to organizations that believe in our peace pillars toward refugee entrepreneurs and refugee youth education, indigenous programming support and mental health. I do hope to see Peace by Chocolate contribute to more peace-building projects through a network of Peace Ambassadors and become one of the top chocolate companies in Canada soon.
Photo by Cooked Photography
FMM: What can we find at Peace by Chocolate?
Peace by Chocolate offers a variety of high-quality chocolates that are made from the finest ingredients from Chocolate bars such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and gold chocolate. We also offer unique flavors such as Maple Cream, Nova Scotian blueberries, Honey Lavender, and Cinnamon Infused artisan lines with truffles that come with Sea Salt Caramel, Raspberry, and Hazelnut. We have a lot of Gift boxes and a new merch line that covers a lot of ways for people to spread peace in their ways. In our locations, we offer baking products made by small businesses that we are honored to support.
By Applehead Studio Photography
FMM: You also provide services for weddings and corporate. When someone receives your premium chocolate with “Peace by Chocolate” on the label, what is your hope?
I hope that they will not only enjoy the delicious taste but also be inspired by the story behind the brand. I also hope that the message of peace and hope that is embodied in the company’s name will resonate with people and inspire them to make positive changes in their own lives and communities. I also hope that it will create an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone, while also highlighting the significance of backing local and social causes.
FMM: Recently you were awarded Atlantic Business Magazine’s 30 under 30 Innovators. What does this mean to you?
I don’t seek validation through awards but this award represents an honor for our efforts and inspires me to continue pursuing my vision. It also raises awareness of my brand and mission, potentially leading to new opportunities and partnerships both personally and professionally.
FMM: You are a much sought-after global speaker. Share your upcoming engagements and topics.
I am excited to continue sharing my messages of reinvention, renewal and the power of resiliency through adversity while celebrating the ROK – Return on Kindness – in a time where it is so easy to spread hatred and anxiety. I talk about the value of immigration and what newcomers bring to their new communities and I share the power of businesses as platforms of leadership. I am excited to continue to travel around the world and celebrate being a Canadian citizen and a proud peace advocate with Canadians and people from around the world.