Pure cocoa with no cocoa butter, and no bitter substances. Chuncho is a sensory revelation due to its intriguing aroma and flavour profile, low bitterness and incredible creaminess. Convince yourself and enjoy a real exclusive creation with nutty accents and fruit notes - Solo cocoa chocolate opens up a unique variety of flavours that you have never experienced with conventional chocolate. Chocolate with 100% fine cocoa Chuncho, naturally cultivated in the highlands of Peru from a single plantation. "Chuncho" is the name of one of the world's finest and rarest cocoa bean varieties. Maybol controls the natural manufacturing process from the beginning to the end, it is fully transparent and avoids middlemen – Direct Trade & Tree to tree to bar chocolate.
The Best European Chocolate 2023
Introduction
In the world of fine chocolates, every bite is a moment of indulgence, a taste of craftsmanship, and a testament to the passion of artisans dedicated to their craft. The International Chocolate Awards have long been at the forefront of recognizing the best of the best in the chocolate industry. In 2023, the European Competition held in Florence, Italy, brought together a panel of experts to judge and celebrate the finest chocolates from these regions. Hello Chocolate is delighted to present the winners of this prestigious competition, showcasing the top European chocolates that have tantalized taste buds and captured hearts.
A Celebration of Craftsmanship
The International Chocolate Awards' Bean-to-Bar competition is a testament to the dedication and artistry of fine chocolate makers who transform cacao beans into delectable chocolate bars. These artisans represent Europe and their commitment to quality and innovation is what makes this competition truly exceptional.
Meet the Judges
The judging panel for this competition consisted of a blend of experienced European judges, IICCT (international Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting) alumni, specialists from the local area, and members of the international Grand Jury panel. The diversity of expertise ensured a fair and comprehensive evaluation of the entries, with all judging conducted anonymously to maintain impartiality.
The final round, overseen by the Grand Jury, involved private voting to determine the deserving Gold, Silver, and Bronze prize winners, adhering to the highest standards of transparency and integrity.
The Crème de la Crème
Without further ado, let's unwrap the winners and savor their sweet success. These chocolates are not just confections; they are works of art, expressions of culture, and ambassadors of excellence.
The Best European Chocolate Brands 2023
The List Of European Competition Winners 2023
"Best in Competition" Overall Winners
Meybol Cacao - Solo Kakao 100% - Gold (SCORE 91.6 OF 100) - Germany
Plain/Origin Chocolate Bars
Meybol Cacao - Single-origin Vraem 72% - SILVER (SCORE 90.5 OF 100) - Germany
Award-winning handmade Tree-to-bar chocolate with 72% Criollo cocoa from the VRAEM region in Peru. Chocolate made from a blend of rare Criollo cocoa varieties (“Finos de Aroma cocoa”) from the VRAEM region (valley of the rivers Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro) in Peru. Criollo cocoa represents only 10% of the world's cocoa production - which is why it is reserved for the finest and most exclusive chocolates. We only select the very best criollo beans, which makes it an ultra-premium fine cocoa in the truest sense.
Meybol Cacao - Single-origin Piura 72% - Silver (SCORE 88.6 Of 100) - Germany
Multi-award-winning handmade Tree-to-Bar chocolate with 72% fine flavor cocoa blanco from natural cultivation from the Piura region in Peru. Multi-award-winning handmade bean-to-bar chocolate with 72% fine cocoa blanco from the Piura region in Peru. White cocoa is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown: the cocoa of Piura is considered the best cocoa in the world and represents only 0.25% of world production.
MEYBOL CACAO - Mazamari 70% - Silver (SCORE 87.6 OF 100) - Germany
Handmade bean-to-bar chocolate with 70% Criollo cocoa from natural cultivation in the Amazon region in Peru.
Meybol Cacao - Single-origin Vraem 68% - GOLD (SCORE 91.5 OF 100) - Germany
Handmade bean-to-bar chocolate with 68% fine flavor cocoa from natural cultivation from the VRAEM region in Peru.
Meybol Cacao - Chuncho Collection N5 - SILVER (88.5 OF 100) - Germany
The finest handmade tree-to-bar chocolate made from 70% ultra-premium cocoa Chuncho from the region of Cusco/Quillabamba in Peru. Of course from natural cultivation and following direct trade principles.
Meybo Cacao - Chuncho Collection N3 - Silver (88.03 of 100) - Germany
Multiple award-winning limited special edition from direct trade with loving craftsmanship - awarded worldwide. Finest handmade bean-to-bar chocolate made from 72% ultra-premium cocoa Chuncho from the region of Cusco/Quillabamba in Peru.
Puchero - Philippines Mana 75% - Bronze (85.7 of 100) - Spain
Mana cocoa is made up of 5 selected Trinitario varieties. A bright and balanced profile with a cascade of flavours of tropical fruit, bergamot and fresh flowers.
Puchero - Nicaragua El Castillero 75% - Bronze (85.5 of 100) - Spain
Cacao for this chocolate bar was grown by smallholder farmers in South Nicaragua in agroforestry. The chocolate has medium intensity and low acidity. Honey sweetness with pear, liquorice and floral notes.
Kankel Cacao - Sheep Milk 57% - Bronze (85.7 of 100) - Spain
With this chocolate Kankel creates the experience of a bar with a high percentage of cocoa which, together with low-fat whole sheep's milk, gives us a tasting result of a cocoa landscape with a finish of cheese that leads us to appreciate the feeling of a mountain environment with its sheep and low in sugar.
