Our Guide To The Best Latin American Chocolate 2024

The Best Latin American Chocolate 2024
Dmytro Minkov

The 2024 Americas - Latin America & the Caribbean Bean-to-Bar and Craft Chocolatier Competition, part of the International Chocolate Awards, has concluded. Held remotely during the summer of 2024, this competition highlighted the skill and creativity of the region's chocolate makers.

Competition Structure

This year marked a change in the competition's format, with the Americas competition split into two separate regional semi-finals. The Latin America & the Caribbean segment focused on fine, craft, and micro-batch chocolate makers who work directly with cacao beans. The competition included categories for plain/origin and flavored chocolate bars, as well as filled chocolates, dragées, and spreads made by craft chocolatiers.

Winners were announced in a virtual ceremony on September 12, 2024. The event was led by co-founders Dr. Maricel E. Presilla and Martin Christy, along with Grand Jury members Barbie Van Horn, Lauren Adler, and Alex Rast.

Judging Process

The judging panel included regular Americas judges, IICCT (International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting) alumni, local specialists, and international Grand Jury members. All judging was conducted anonymously, including the final session where Gold, Silver, and Bronze prizes were awarded through private voting.

Impact on Latin American Chocolate Industry

While specific winners were not provided in the given information, the competition serves as a showcase for the quality and diversity of Latin American chocolate. It provides an opportunity for regional chocolate makers to gain recognition on an international stage.

The winners from this competition will advance to the World Final in October 2024, where they will compete against chocolatiers from other regions.

Why Chocolate is Important in Latin American Culture

The success of Latin American chocolatiers in this competition reflects the deep cultural significance of chocolate in the region. Chocolate, derived from the cacao tree native to the Amazon Basin, has been part of Latin American cultures for thousands of years.

In ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly among the Mayans and Aztecs, cacao held great importance. It was used in religious ceremonies, as a form of currency, and as a beverage reserved for nobility. This historical significance has evolved into a modern appreciation for chocolate throughout Latin American society.

Today, countries like Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia are known for producing high-quality cacao. The distinct environmental conditions in these regions contribute to the unique flavors of their cacao beans.

Sustainability and Community Impact

The chocolate industry in Latin America often emphasizes sustainability and community support. Many chocolate makers work directly with local farmers, promoting fair wages and environmentally friendly cultivation practices. This approach not only produces high-quality chocolate but also supports local economies and preserves traditional farming methods.

Looking Ahead

As the winners prepare for the World Final in October 2024, they represent not only their individual skills but also centuries of chocolate-making tradition in Latin America. Their performance on the global stage may further establish Latin America's reputation in the international chocolate industry.

The International Chocolate Awards highlight the skill and cultural significance behind Latin American chocolate production. For consumers, these award-winning chocolates offer a taste of Latin American heritage and expertise.

In a market dominated by mass-produced chocolate, these awards bring attention to artisans who are maintaining and advancing traditional chocolate-making methods. They underscore that in Latin America, chocolate is more than just a product – it's an important part of the region's culture, economy, and identity.

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1. Argencove Chocolate (Nicaragua)

In the lush landscapes of Nicaragua, a unique chocolate-making venture has taken root. Argencove Chocolate, founded by three Australian families, is not just a confectionery brand; it's a testament to passion, sustainability, and community engagement. The Argencove story began with a group of friends united by their fascination with great food. Their curiosity about luxury chocolate led them on a global odyssey, spanning 20 countries. This journey of taste and discovery culminated in Nicaragua, where they found the perfect blend of fertile soil, favorable climate, and welcoming locals to establish their cocoa plantation and chocolate factory. Argencove's philosophy is deeply rooted in agroforestry and sustainability. Their orchard, nestled between the Mombacho Volcano and Lake Nicaragua, is a carefully designed ecosystem. The company believes that a balanced environment yields the best cacao, employing an agroforestry process that includes shade species for nitrogen fixation.

Agrencove - Best Chocolates In The World

2. Feliu Chocolate (Mexico)

Víctor Feliu, the founder of Feliu Chocolate, is on a journey to explore the rich world of Mexican cocoa, focusing on its diverse varieties, origins, and aromatic nuances. The brand's ethos revolves around the thoughtful selection of cocoa beans sourced directly from local growers, primarily in the regions of Chiapas and Tabasco, which are then processed at their compact facility in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Originally from Valencia, Spain, Víctor Feliu has been a perticipant in cocoa-related ventures across the Americas and Europe since 2014. Driven by a profound passion for chocolate and a vision to elevate its status, Feliu Chocolate was born. The aim was not only to feed a personal obsession but also to cultivate an appreciation for a product often overshadowed in public consciousness, while simultaneously honoring Mexico's historic reputation as a leading "chocolate country."

Feliu Chocolate's journey began humbly in the Santa Tere neighborhood of Guadalajara, where it occupied a modest room in an old apartment before blossoming into a small workshop nestled near the local market. Over time, the brand has thrived, establishing a dedicated space near Expo Guadalajara, assembling a committed team, and garnering a supportive community of customers and suppliers that extends far beyond the city limits. Today, it stands as an example of excellence in the world of chocolate, recognized among the finest globally.

3. Metiche Chocolate (Mexico)

Inspired by pre-Hispanic heritage and with a mission to create the most sophisticated chocolate in Mexico, Metiche was founded in 2020. Their chocolate offers a journey into Mexican roots through the palate. Based in Guadalajara, Metiche is a bean-to-bar factory that exclusively uses Mexican beans. The name Metiche, which means “nosy” in Spanish, perfectly captures the essence of Mexican culture. Mexicans love knowing all the “chisme” (gossip), discovering the best parties, and meeting everyone there—just for the fun of it. Metiche also embodies a spirit of sharing—stories, experiences, and chocolate. They believe that great connections and conversations start with sharing a piece of Metiche, a unique piece of chocolate filled with love.

Metiche - Best Chocolate

3. Paccari Chocolate (Equador)

Pacari Chocolate, a beacon of sustainable and ethical chocolate production, is on a mission to offer the world's best chocolate, setting uncompromising standards for both taste and integrity. Their commitment to quality is exemplified in their chocolates, each with a minimum cacao content of 60%, using solely organic certified ingredients to ensure that neither people nor the planet suffer harm during the growing process. What sets Pacari apart is their dedication to natural ingredients and the absence of dairy, gluten, refined sugars, nuts, soy, and notably, palm oil, demonstrating their steadfast commitment to environmental preservation and the biodiversity of Ecuadorian rainforests. Pacari's roots can be traced back to a humble beginning, collaborating with a few families. Today, their initiative has blossomed to encompass over 4,000 families engaged in organic farming. They source their cacao from native Arriba Nacional plants, nurtured by small-scale organic cacao farmers in the Ecuadorian rainforest. This approach eschews monoculture plantations in favor of preserving the biodiversity of the rainforest, avoiding deforestation and its conversion into monoculture cacao plantations.

Paccari - The Best Chocolate of the World

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