Tony’s Chocolonely, the impact-focused chocolate brand committed to ending exploitation in the cocoa supply chain, teams up with New York-based artist Cj Hendry for a one-of-a-kind pop-up experience. Debuting just in time for Valentine’s Day, the “Valentony” installation transforms Tony’s iconic red universe into an immersive, sensory playground that blends art, chocolate, and a powerful social message.
Cj Hendry is a New York-based artist originally from Brisbane, Australia, renowned for her hyper-realistic drawings and immersive, experiential exhibitions. Her work deconstructs everyday objects and material culture, transforming them into playful, thought-provoking installations. Her projects span diverse settings—from desert pools to urban markets—capturing global audiences and attracting a high-profile collector base.
Tony’s Chocolonely is an impact-driven chocolate company dedicated to ending child labor, forced labor, and all forms of exploitation in cocoa. A market leader in the Netherlands and rapidly expanding worldwide, Tony’s Chocolonely operates as a B Corp and holds Fairtrade certification.
From February 6–8, visitors are invited to step inside Tony’s Only Red World, a saturated, playful space designed to counterbalance the gravity of the brand’s mission. The installation features bold visuals and interactive elements that celebrate curiosity, surprise, and delight, while keeping the core message loud and clear: the cocoa industry is unequally divided, and Tony’s is focused on changing that reality.
In a striking nod to the industry’s imbalances, Tony’s introduces a $1 mystery-box experience. For a single dollar, fans receive a mystery bag that includes at least one Tony’s bar in a coveted flavor (the flavor remains a surprise) and possibly additional surprises. The concept mirrors the unequal distribution seen in cocoa farming—where farmers often earn less than a dollar a day—yet the experience is designed to feel energizing, sweet, and empowering rather than punitive.
Aidaly Sosa Walker, VP of Marketing for Tony’s Chocolonely North America, explains, “The cocoa industry is bitterly unfair. Cocoa farmers work tirelessly at physically demanding jobs, all for less than a dollar a day on average, while the industry is worth billions. This pop-up, like our manifesto inside every wrapper and our Unequally Divided packaging, is a love letter to the industry—fair, sweet, and only unequal in terms of how much of your chocolate you’re willing to share.”
The partnership with Cj Hendry brings a distinctive, contemporary art lens to Tony’s mission. Hendry, known for hyper-realistic drawings and immersive installations, has crafted a space that translates material culture into playful yet thought-provoking experiences. Her work spans extraordinary settings—from an Olympic-sized pool in the Mojave Desert to a bustling flower market in Brooklyn—earning her a global following, celebrity collectors, sold-out shows, and a waitlist that exceeds 3,000.
“I couldn’t be more chuffed to collaborate with the Tony’s team,” says Hendry. “I have admired the brand for years, and this collaboration allows us to bring bold personality to life in an immersive, inclusive, unforgettable way.”
Tony’s adds, “Partnering with Cj Hendry lets us push our bold personality into a new, experiential realm. This isn’t just an art installation—it’s an invitation to experience our world and to think differently about where our chocolate comes from.”
Hosted in Tony’s unmistakable red, the pop-up is more than an exhibit; it’s a call to rethink the conventional supply chain, celebrate creativity, and support a fairer cocoa industry. The event also aligns with Tony’s broader recognition as a catalyst for positive change, including honors such as TIME100 Most Influential Companies (2025) and a feature in Fast Company’s 2024 Brands That Matter.
For fans and industry peers alike, this collaboration promises a bold, colorful invitation to engage with a serious issue in a way that’s immersive, inclusive, and irresistibly sweet.
Photo credits: Maximus Communications
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