Celebrating World Chocolate Day: Exploring the Journey from Bean to Bar

On this delightful occasion of World Chocolate Day, we delve into the fascinating story behind one of the world's most beloved treats. Chocolate, with its tantalizing flavor and irresistible aroma, has a rich history that stretches back to ancient civilizations in Mesoamerica. The journey of cacao, from its humble beginnings as a prized treasure among the Mayans and Aztecs to its global popularity today, is a testament to its enduring allure.

Let’s explore the captivating process of chocolate production, highlighting the steps involved in transforming cocoa beans into the delectable bars we all cherish. Additionally, we'll shed light on the significant role played by organizations such as Kiwa, in certifying chocolate producers, ensuring adherence to various organic, sustainable, and social standards. By opting for certified chocolate, consumers can not only savor its decadent taste but also contribute positively to the environment, communities, and overall quality of the product.

Production: From Bean to Bar

The journey of chocolate begins with the cultivation and harvesting of cocoa beans, native to the tropical lands of Central and South America. Dating back to 1900 B.C., the Olmecs were among the first to cultivate cacao, laying the foundation for its future significance. The beans are carefully plucked from the pods and subjected to a fermentation process that enhances their distinctive flavor.

After fermentation, the beans are dried and roasted to unlock their inherent aromas and flavors. Once roasted, the beans are ground into a paste known as cocoa liquor. This paste undergoes further processing, including pressing to separate cocoa butter, which contributes to the smoothness of chocolate. To create the final product, the cocoa liquor is combined with sugar and other ingredients, such as powdered milk or vanilla, resulting in the delectable chocolate we all adore.

Chocolate Certification: Ensuring Quality and Sustainability

Here at Kiwa, we play an important role in the certification process of Chocolate.
It’s our job to certify the producers who grow the cocoa under different organic (EU, USDA NOP, JAS, DEMETER), sustainable, and social (Rainforest Alliance, SPP, FairTSA) standards.

In addition, Kiwa is internationally accredited to certify the manufacturing process in industries, ensuring the quality and hygiene of all processes through the certification of food safety standards such as BRC, HACCP, ISO 22000, among others.

Different certifications offered by Kiwa provide consumers with guarantees of quality, sustainability, social responsibility, environmental protection, transparency and support for agricultural communities. By opting for certified products, consumers can enjoy chocolate knowing that their choice has a positive impact.

By choosing certified chocolate, consumers can enjoy their favorite treat with the knowledge that it has been produced responsibly, promoting environmental protection, transparency, and support for agricultural communities.

Embrace the Delicious Journey: Celebrating World Chocolate Day with Certified Guarantee

As we celebrate World Chocolate Day, we are reminded of the captivating journey that chocolate undertakes from the cultivation of cacao beans to the delectable bars we savor. The meticulous process of chocolate production and the certifications provided by organizations like Kiwa empower consumers to make informed choices, supporting sustainable practices, social responsibility, and the overall quality of the chocolate they enjoy.

So, the next time you indulge in a piece of certified chocolate, relish its flavor while knowing the story behind its origins and the positive impact it has had on both the environment and communities. Happy World Chocolate Day!