The Bean to Bar movement
at European scale.
Five national associations united to structure, defend and promote craft chocolate in Europe, and to support the emergence of new associations to strengthen the continental dimension of the movement.
Europe and chocolate
50% of global chocolate consumption.
35% of global chocolate production.
Europe occupies a unique position in the world of chocolate. As both a leading producer and the largest consumer market, it shapes the tastes, the standards and the production practices that influence the entire sector, well beyond its own borders.
This influence rests on a long and rich chocolate culture, where curiosity and a taste for excellence have always driven the craft forward. European consumers are increasingly attentive to the origin of what they eat, to quality, and to the people behind each product, creating fertile ground for a more conscious way of making chocolate.
It is precisely here, at the heart of this immense market, that the Bean to Bar movement finds its natural home and its greatest opportunity. By placing quality, transparency and ethics at the centre of the craft, Bean to Bar chocolate-makers honour the personality of each cocoa and the work of those who grow it, from the plantation to the bar.
Educate and raise awareness
Inform consumers about the quality and benefits of Bean to Bar chocolate, through communication campaigns and educational events across Europe.
Many chocolate lovers have never had the chance to discover what truly sets craft chocolate apart: the origin of the cocoa, the care taken at every stage, and the remarkable diversity of flavours a single bean can reveal. Through festivals, tastings, workshops and coordinated communication across Europe, the association invites consumers to taste, question and appreciate chocolate in a new way, and to recognise the craft and the people who make it exceptional.
Establish a support network
Provide resources, tools and support for craft chocolate-makers wishing to develop their Bean to Bar expertise, through their national associations.
Establish institutional recognition
Defend and promote a European quality standard to ensure the credibility and distinction of the Bean to Bar movement with institutions and the general public.
This mission includes upstream regulatory monitoring and information transmission to national associations, enabling them in turn to inform their member chocolate-makers accurately and ahead of time.
Developing European partnerships
Build institutional relationships with European public authorities and advocate for policies that recognise and support the ethical and sustainable craft chocolate sector.
One country,
one market,
one association
Each country has its own chocolate culture, consumption habits and chocolate identity.
This is why the European Bean to Bar Chocolate Association operates state by state: it helps Bean to Bar chocolate-makers in each territory to structure themselves into a national association, and federates these associations at continental level.
Five national associations are today founding members.
ShowColat. The flagship educational tool.
ShowColat is the European Bean to Bar Chocolate Association's own festival, a free event open to all, built around an ephemeral cocoa museum that immerses visitors in the world of fine cacao. The inaugural edition was held in Bordeaux from 1 to 3 May 2026 at the Palais de la Bourse, with Venezuela as guest country of honour. The next edition will take place from 7 to 9 May 2027.