The Best European Chocolate 2023
We are delighted to announce the Winners of the 2023 European Bean-to-Bar Competition by The International Chocolate Awards. The competition, held in-person in the enchanting city of Florence, Italy, throughout March and April 2023, sought out the finest chocolate makers who work directly from cacao beans to create exquisite plain/origin and flavored chocolate bars from Europe.
The Bean-to-Bar competition celebrated the essence of craft chocolate, where talented artisans and micro-batch producers showcased their exceptional skills and dedication. These chocolatiers take immense pride in crafting chocolate from scratch, resulting in distinctive flavors and unique combinations. Their innovative creations challenge traditional chocolate making norms with bold inclusions and artistic packaging.
It is noteworthy that the craft chocolate movement experienced a remarkable boom in the late 2000s, captivating the hearts of many enthusiasts. People from diverse backgrounds, ranging from culinary novices to experienced chefs, fell in love with the allure of cacao and the ethical processes behind craft chocolates.
Among the European culinary cultures, Germany, Spain and France stand out as home to some of the world's most renowned chocolate makers, contributing significantly to the region's rich chocolate heritage.
With their exceptional craftsmanship and passion for chocolate, the Winners of the European Bean-to-Bar Competition have earned the honor of proceeding to the World Final later in 2023. This recognition further cements their position as the best European chocolate brands, representing the pinnacle of excellence in the craft chocolate subculture.
For chocolate connoisseurs seeking the finest European chocolate experiences, we present the top craft chocolate brands that embody the artistry and devotion of this remarkable industry.
In the world of bean-to-bar chocolate, the Meybol Cacao chocolate factory has burst onto the scene with remarkable fervor. Already boasting a prestigious prize and a coveted awards, it has become the talk of the town. In today's chocolate landscape, an increasing number of chocolate shops strive to uphold the bean-to-bar principle—transforming chocolate beans from their raw form to the luscious bars with utmost care and control. Yet, Meybol Cacao takes this commitment to a whole new level.
Dedicated to the most direct and controlled process, Meybol Cacao has optimized its production circuit, leaving no room for compromise in quality. However, their vision extends beyond just the chocolate-making process. They have gone above and beyond by narrowing their production to originate from one of the most remote regions in the Andes of Peru.
In this challenging and hard-to-reach land, cocoa cultivation is limited, and farmers face a bleak future with little opportunity for growth. Despite these obstacles, Meybol Cacao's founder, Estendorfer-Moran, made a strategic choice to source cocoa from this region. They passionately invested in local education initiatives and ensured that cocoa producers receive a fair price for their labor and dedication.
Meybol Cacao's unwavering commitment extends far beyond the realm of business; it is a long-term action plan aimed at positively impacting the lives of up to 200 families. Through their approach, they hope to create a sustainable and supportive ecosystem for the cocoa farmers and their communities.
As Meybol Cacao forges ahead on its journey, it sets an inspiring example of ethical chocolate production that not only delights the taste buds but also enriches the lives of those who contribute to its creation.
Meybol Solo Kakao 100% - The Best European Dark Chocolate 2023 (Score 91.6 of 100)
Indulge in the pure essence of cocoa, where no cocoa butter or bitter substances interfere - presenting Chuncho, a sensory revelation that captivates with its alluring aroma, exquisite flavor profile, and velvety smoothness.
Prepare to be enchanted by a chocolate experience like no other. Chuncho delights the palate with its unique blend of nutty undertones and delightful fruit notes. This Solo cocoa chocolate opens up a world of flavors, far beyond what conventional chocolate can offer.Made solely from 100% fine cocoa Chuncho, carefully cultivated in the pristine highlands of Peru from a single plantation. This chocolate derives its name from the esteemed "Chuncho" cocoa bean variety, renowned for its rarity and exceptional quality.
Meybol's commitment to excellence extends from the very inception of the manufacturing process to its final creation. With complete transparency and a direct trade approach, they avoid intermediaries, ensuring that the journey from tree to bar is of the utmost purity and integrity. This results in a chocolate experience that is not only unparalleled but also ethically produced.
Experience the extraordinary pleasure of Chuncho chocolate, where the true essence of cocoa takes center stage, and each bite unveils a world of unparalleled flavors.
Meybol Single-origin Vraem 72% - The best European plain / origin dark chocolate bars - Silver (Score 90.5 of 100)
Introducing multiple award-winning limited special edition: Handcrafted Tree-to-Bar Chocolate boasting an impressive 72% fine flavor Criollo cocoa sourced from the esteemed VRAEM region in Peru.
This extraordinary chocolate is a fusion of rare Criollo cocoa varieties, specifically the "Finos de Aroma cocoa," cultivated in the renowned VRAEM region—nestled within the valleys of the rivers Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro. Remarkably, Criollo cocoa constitutes just 10% of the world's cocoa production, rendering it a treasure reserved exclusively for the finest and most exclusive chocolates.
At our chocolate atelier, we leave no room for compromise, meticulously handpicking only the very best Criollo beans. This meticulous selection process elevates our chocolate to an unparalleled level of quality, earning it the distinction of being an ultra-premium fine cocoa in its truest essence.
Indulge in the sublime and exceptional flavors of our award-winning Tree-to-Bar Chocolate, a rare treat crafted with passion and dedication to delight the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs.
Meybol Single-origin Piura 72% - The best European plain / origin dark chocolate bars - Silver (Score 88.6 of 100)
Behold our multi-award-winning, meticulously handcrafted Tree-to-Bar chocolate, boasting an exquisite 72% fine flavor cocoa blanco sourced from the natural cultivation in Peru's enchanting Piura region.
This extraordinary chocolate showcases the rare and coveted cocoa blanco variety, often regarded as the jewel in the crown of cocoa. The Piura cocoa is celebrated as the finest in the world, and its exceptional quality is a rarity, accounting for only 0.25% of global cocoa production.
At the heart of our artisanal chocolate-making process lies a dedication to excellence, as we carefully transform these exceptional cocoa beans into a heavenly chocolate experience. Indulge in the richness of our bean-to-bar masterpiece, a true testament to the artistry and passion we infuse into every delicious morsel.
Meybol Single-origin Mazamari 70% - The best European plain dark chocolate bars Silver - (Score 87.6 of 100)
Indulge in the exquisite taste of our meticulously crafted bean-to-bar chocolate, meticulously made with 70% Criollo cocoa carefully sourced from naturally cultivated cocoa beans in the pristine Amazon region of Peru.
Each delectable bite is a testament to our dedication to preserving the rich flavors of this rare cocoa variety, grown exclusively in the lush Amazonas region. Savor the unique and luxurious experience that only our handcrafted chocolate can deliver, as it takes you on a delightful journey through the enchanting landscapes of the Peruvian rainforest. Treat yourself to the finest taste of the Amazon with our artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate, a true labor of love from nature to your palate.
Meybol Single-origin Vraem 68% - The best micro-batch European plain dark chocolate bars Gold - (Score 91.5 of 100)
Discover the epitome of chocolate perfection with our handcrafted bean-to-bar delight, boasting an exquisite blend of 68% fine flavor cocoa sourced from naturally cultivated cacao trees in the renowned VRAEM region of Peru.
Immerse yourself in the richness of this unique cocoa variety, carefully nurtured by local farmers amid the breathtaking landscapes of the VRAEM, resulting in an unrivaled sensory experience that tantalizes your taste buds and elevates your chocolate indulgence to new heights. Embrace the harmonious marriage of tradition and craftsmanship as our skilled artisans transform these exceptional cocoa beans into an unparalleled chocolate masterpiece, capturing the essence of Peru's natural bounty in every velvety bite. Treat yourself to a symphony of flavors, artfully united in our handmade bean-to-bar chocolate, a true celebration of the VRAEM region's cacao-growing legacy.
Meybol Chuncho Collection N5 - The best micro-batch European plain dark chocolate bars - Silver - (Score 88.5 of 100)
Introducing our exclusive limited special edition: a true masterpiece of handcrafted, award-winning chocolate known worldwide. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled experience of our finest tree-to-bar chocolate, meticulously created from the rarest 70% ultra-premium fine flavor cocoa, known as Chuncho, harvested from the breathtaking Cusco/Quillabamba region in Peru.
With utmost dedication to sustainability and ethical practices, Meybo Cacao sources these exceptional cocoa beans from natural cultivation, following the principles of direct trade. This ensures not only an extraordinary taste but also supports the local farmers and preserves the authenticity of this extraordinary cocoa.
Experience the true essence of Peru's rich cocoa heritage, meticulously transformed by our artisans into a delectable delight that transcends ordinary chocolate experiences. Indulge in the unique flavor profiles and unmatched quality that have earned our chocolate numerous awards and a reputation that spans the globe. Treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate sensation and become a part of this exquisite journey from tree to bar, where passion and craftsmanship unite to create perfection in every single bite.
Meybol Chuncho Collection N3 - The best micro-batch European plain dark chocolate bars - Silver - (Score 88.3 of 100)
Discover the epitome of chocolate perfection with our handcrafted bean-to-bar delight, boasting an exquisite blend of 68% fine flavor cocoa sourced from naturally cultivated cacao trees in the renowned VRAEM region of Peru.
Immerse yourself in the richness of this unique cocoa variety, carefully nurtured by local farmers amid the breathtaking landscapes of the VRAEM, resulting in an unrivaled sensory experience that tantalizes your taste buds and elevates your chocolate indulgence to new heights. Embrace the harmonious marriage of tradition and craftsmanship as our skilled artisans transform these exceptional cocoa beans into an unparalleled chocolate masterpiece, capturing the essence of Peru's natural bounty in every velvety bite. Treat yourself to a symphony of flavors, artfully united in our handmade bean-to-bar chocolate, a true celebration of the VRAEM region's cacao-growing legacy.
Juan Ángel Rodrigálvarez, the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Best Pastry Chef award from the Royal Spanish Academy of Gastronomy, is the visionary behind this remarkable project. He has been adorned with numerous other accolades, including being a valued member of the Rimini 2007-Gold National Team and receiving the MIP (Madrid International Pastry 2021) award for Career, research, and development at Madrid Fusion. Furthermore, he has been recognized as the International Chocolate Taster by the esteemed International Chocolate Institute and serves as the Secretary of the "Bean to bar" association of Spain. Juan Ángel Rodrigálvarez imparts his expertise as a trainer in the art of "Bean to bar" at renowned institutions such as GASMA and CIB, as well as the "Bean to bar" school in Madrid.
With over three decades of experience, Juan Ángel Rodrigálvarez infuses his unique perspective into the world of cocoa, creating pure and intricate flavors. His expertise caters to diverse occasions and interpretations of this captivating earthly delight: cocoa.
Kankel Sheep Milk 57% - The best micro-batch European plain milk chocolate bars - Bronze - (Score 85.7 of 100)
Juan Ángel Rodrigálvarez's passion for chocolate and culinary mastery culminates in the creation of an extraordinary chocolate bar. This remarkable treat boasts a high percentage of cocoa expertly combined with low-fat integral sheep's milk. The result is an unparalleled tasting experience, where the richness of cocoa unfolds harmoniously, and a cheese-like finish emerges, reminiscent of the idyllic countryside. Each bite transports us to a serene pasture, surrounded by gentle sheep, and indulges us with its subtly sweet, low-sugar composition. This exquisite chocolate delight truly encapsulates the essence of nature and the artistry of cocoa craftsmanship.
SHOP HEREThe story of Puchero and coffee intertwines in an intriguing tale. While it remains uncertain whether coffee discovered the founder of Puchero or vice versa, one thing is evident - coffee now infuses every aspect of their lives. However, not just any coffee suffices; we're talking about meticulously sourced and roasted specialty coffee.
Paloma and Marco, hailing from Spain and Italy respectively, embarked on a transformative journey after their sojourn in London. Immersed in new places and meeting remarkable individuals passionate about the world of coffee, their lives were forever changed. United by their shared love for this invigorating beverage, they founded Puchero in 2015. Over the years, Puchero has blossomed into a frontrunner in the realm of specialty coffee, earning a reputation as one of Spain's finest roasters.
Yet, the story takes an exciting turn when chocolate entered their lives. Inspired by the diverse flavors of cacao from around the globe, Puchero began roasting beans cultivated and dried on farms by small-scale producers. The result? Exquisite craft chocolate bars that captivate the senses. Each bar showcases the exceptional nuances of single-origin chocolate and is crafted with utmost care, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and, of course, coffee.
Now, the entire collection of Puchero's chocolate is available for you to savor. During months of dedicated work, they explored various chocolates and instantly fell in love with their own bars. Perhaps it's their expertise in coffee roasting or the decadent Guatemala bar with a hint of butter that won them over. Regardless, these bean-to-bar chocolates are destined to be your companion in delightful chocolate adventures. Don't miss the chance to indulge in this extraordinary chocolate experience.
Related Posts
All You Need to Know About Heavy Metals in Your Chocolate
The Best Boxed Chocolate? It's Chocolate Without a Box.
