“Supporting the passion, integrity and skill of craft chocolate makers in UK and Ireland”
In a global chocolate industry long shaped by scale and uniformity, craft chocolate in the UK and Ireland has fought hard to establish itself.
As independent craft chocolate makers we work with passion and persistence to prove the value of chocolate that is transparent, ethical and flavour-driven. To secure the future of this sector, collaboration is essential. The Craft Chocolate Association of the UK & Ireland (“the Association”) exists to unite bean-to-bar producers, strengthen our collective voice, and build a sustainable foundation for craft chocolate to thrive alongside the wider chocolate industry.
While we recognise and celebrate the skill and artistry of chocolatiers who create products using pre-made chocolate, the Association’s focus is on those engaged in the full bean-to-bar process of transforming raw cocoa beans into finished chocolate.
Who we are
We are UK & Ireland based craft chocolate makers who exclusively craft the natural flavours of cocoa from bean to bar, sourcing beans from growing and trading communities who share our passion for flavour and transparency.
We also encourage and welcome Supporter Members to join us; these members can be enthusiasts, advocates, passionate consumers or producers who are on the path to making bean to bar chocolate but may not yet be doing so exclusively.
The Bean-to-Bar Craft
We define a bean-to-bar craft chocolate maker as an individual/company who roasts the beans whole, crafts the natural flavours of cocoa from bean-to-bar and is committed to preserving the personality of each cocoa origin (a result of the genetics, terroir and post-harvest practices). They honour the work of the producers through their crafting processes to develop the flavour potential to its full through all stages of the process. They source beans from growing and trading communities who share their passion for flavour and transparency.
The bean-to-bar chocolate maker does not just follow a recipe or process, but they also have a commitment based on the following core values: transparency, fair trade, respect for producers and the environment, sustainability and quality.
What’s the aim?
To promote the UK & Ireland Craft Chocolate movement
To act as a collective voice for the craft chocolate industry
To educate the public and media about craft chocolate benefits, issues and to correct misinformation
To support, encourage and mentor craft chocolate makers
To encourage high standards of professionalism within the industry
To collaborate with or join organisations whose aims align with ours, in supporting the bean-to-bar craft chocolate makers and their supply chains
To find out more about the association click on the Association Information link below. To find out more about the benefits of becoming a member click on the link below.
Where we make
Founder Makers
Bare BonesBeanCraftChocolarderDormouseDuffy'sNearyNogs
Tosier
Pump Street
Founder Supporters
Cocoa EncountersCocoa Runners