How Do Cocoa Beans Get To Chocolate Makers?

Cacao is about half fat, making it a heavy ingredient to transport. People who make chocolate from bean to bar almost always need to source their cacao from another country, and there are three ways cocoa beans get to chocolate makers: by sea, by land, and by air<.

Small-batch chocolate makers usually source their cacao from a domestic supplier, which imports cacao from other countries, most commonly by cargo ship. That cacao is then shipped to chocolate makers, often in a large truck. For small orders in large countries, like the US, cacao may be sent by air.

Larger chocolate makers may still work with a cacao importer, but some choose to import the cacao themselves, often by cargo ship (though it’s sometimes done by canoe, as with Luisa Abram from Brazil). Chocolate manufacturers like Mars and Cargill buy their cacao on the mass market and often store it on-site. In proper conditions, cacao can be stored safely for many years. Chocolate makers in cocoa growing countries, like Marou Chocolate, most often buy their cacao directly from farmers and have it driven to them from the farm. Some small-batch chocolate makers have also been known to visit farms themselves and buy directly from farmers, taking their cacao back home in their checked luggage.

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What makes Bar & Cocoa different?

At Bar & Cocoa, we're not just another chocolate shop; we're a chocolate experience. We meticulously curate a selection of the finest chocolates from artisanal makers around the globe. Our focus is on quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability. We go the extra mile to educate our customers about the complexities of cacao cultivation and chocolate making through detailed product descriptions, flavor profiles, and origin stories. When you shop with us, you're not just indulging in a treat; you're becoming part of a community that values the art and science of chocolate making.

What is bean to bar chocolate?

Bean to bar chocolate is chocolate that is made from scratch by the same producer, starting from the raw cacao beans and ending with the finished chocolate bars and treats. This process allows the chocolate maker to control every aspect of the chocolate making, such as roasting, grinding, conching, tempering, and molding. Bean to bar chocolate is often more flavorful, nuanced, and ethical than mass-produced chocolate. It reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of the maker and the quality and origin of the cacao.

How do you source your chocolate? Is it ethical and sustainable?

We source our chocolate from award winning craft makers who use high-quality cacao beans and go beyond fair trade. We work with over 50 fine chocolate makers from around the world who share our values and passion for real chocolate. Some of the countries we source our chocolate from include Peru, Vietnam, Brazil, Colombia, Nicaragua,, Philippines, India, and many more. We are always on the lookout for new and exciting origins and makers to add to our collection.

Do you have vegan, or keto-friendly or soy free chocolate?

Yes, we do! We have a variety of chocolate options that cater to different dietary preferences and needs. You can browse our collections of organic chocolate, vegan chocolate, keto-friendly chocolate, sugar-free chocolate, dairy-free chocolate, gluten-free chocolate, soy-free chocolate, nut-free chocolate, and more on our website. We also provide detailed information on each product page about the ingredients and allergens of each product.

How do you pick your chocolate makers?

When it comes to selecting our chocolate offerings, we're basically the chocolate sommeliers you never knew you needed. Our process starts with rigorous research and tastings. Yeah, it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. We scour the globe for artisanal and craft chocolate makers who share our commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and innovation in flavor.

We scrutinize everything from cacao origin to production methods and flavor profiles. Only the best of the best make it into our curated collection, offering you a world-class chocolate experience in every bite. Each bar has a story, a unique flavor profile, and the power to transport you to a different part of the globe. We're not just selling chocolate; we're offering an edible journey.