Best European Dark Chocolate Producers
Guido Castagna is a renowned chocolatier from Turin, Italy, known for his expertise in creating high-quality gianduia chocolates. His chocolate shop, founded in 2002, has quickly become one of the most esteemed in Turin due to its focus on natural ingredients and artisanal methods.
Castagna's signature product, the Giuinott, is celebrated for its blend of cocoa and hazelnuts, earning multiple awards at international competitions. His shop also offers a variety of other chocolate products, including truffles and spreadable gianduia.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2024, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012
International Chocolate Awards - Bronze
2024, 2022, 2018
BEST Guido Castagna Chocolates
William Curley is a renowned Scottish patissier and chocolatier based in London, celebrated for his meticulous craft and innovative approach to chocolate and patisserie. He has been honored with the title of 'Britain’s Best Chocolatier' by the Academy of Chocolate on several occasions and has also received a gold medal at The Culinary Olympics?.
Curley's chocolate boutique offers an array of exquisite products ranging from classic British flavours to unique creations like Japanese Black Vinegar and Apricot & Wasabi chocolates. His commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, like Piedmont hazelnuts and Sicilian pistachios, is fundamental to his business philosophy, and his shops are key destinations for those seeking luxury chocolate experiences in London.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2013, 2008
BEST William Curley Chocolates
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006
Academy of Chocolate - Golden BonBon
2017
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2015, 2013
BEST Rococo Chocolates Chocolates
Piccola Pasticceria is a charming little pastry shop located in Casale Monferrato, Italy. This producer specializes in traditional Italian sweets, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their offerings include a variety of cakes, pastries, croissants, and other delightful treats, often beautifully decorated.
The atmosphere at Piccola Pasticceria is warm and inviting, and the staff is known for their friendliness and willingness to recommend specialties. Many visitors return for the authentic flavors and attention to detail in every creation. If you find yourself nearby, it's definitely worth stopping by to enjoy one of their sweet delights!
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2017
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014
BEST Piccola Pasticceria Confectioneries
Fjåk Chocolate, based in Norway, is renowned as the country’s first bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Founded by Agurtxane Concellon and Siv Hereid in 2015, the company began by experimenting with craft chocolate in a modest kitchen before officially launching in 2017.
Fjåk infuses its chocolate with local Nordic ingredients, such as sour cherries, reindeer lichen, and lingonberries, showcasing Norway's natural bounty. This approach is central to Fjåk’s identity, offering a distinctive Norwegian spin on traditional chocolate.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2023, 2022
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018
BEST Fjåk Chocolate Spreads
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean
2021
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
BEST Krak Chocolade Chocolates
AWARDS
Tavoletta D'Oro -
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
2016, 2015
BEST Cioccolato Di Bruco Chocolates
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Bronze
2022, 2019, 2018
Tavoletta D'Oro - Premio del ventennale Award
2024, 2023
Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015
BEST Gardini Cioccolato Chocolates
Amedei is a luxury chocolate manufacturer based in Pontedera, Italy, renowned for its high-quality and artisanal products. Founded in 1990 by Cecilia Tessieri, Amedei is distinguished for being one of the first to implement a bean-to-bar process, controlling every stage of chocolate production.
The company gained international acclaim when its Chuao chocolate bar won the prestigious Golden Bean award from the Academy of Chocolate in London. Amedei prides itself on sourcing premium cocoa beans directly from carefully selected plantations, ensuring both quality and ethical practices.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean
2013, 2011, 2009
Tavoletta D'Oro - Premio del ventennale Award
2024, 2023
Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007
BEST Amedei Chocolates
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2022, 2018, 2017
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
BEST Dormouse Chocolates Chocolates
Best European Dark Chocolates
Nocciola Piemonte Bassinata al Gianduia made by Piccola Pasticceria is a confectionery product that features premium quality hazelnuts known as Nocciola Piemonte IGP. These hazelnuts are roasted to enhance their natural flavors and then coated in a rich layer of gianduia, a smooth and creamy chocolate hazelnut blend.
The result is a decadent and luxurious treat that highlights the distinct taste of Piedmont hazelnuts combined with the luxurious creaminess of gianduia chocolate.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2022, 2020, 2019
Manjari Orange by Valrhona is a unique blend of chocolate and citrus flavors. This product features dark chocolate infused with orange zest, creating a harmonious balance between the richness of the chocolate and the bright, tangy notes of the fruit.
The chocolate used in Manjari Orange typically boasts a high cocoa content, which enhances its depth and complexity.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2011, 2009, 2008
William Curley House Dark chocolate is a luxurious dark chocolate crafted from high-quality cocoa beans. With a rich, bold flavor and a smooth, velvety texture, it offers a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. Each bite reveals complex notes of cocoa, making it an indulgent treat for chocolate lovers.
Ideal for savoring on its own or using in desserts, this chocolate embodies Curley’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and exceptional taste.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2009, 2008
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2024
International Chocolate Awards - ‘Best in competition' overall winners
2024
Timmur is a chocolate creation by Chika Watanabe, renowned for her unique ingredient combinations and artisanal craftsmanship. This chocolate features Timur pepper, known for its citrusy and floral notes, adding a distinctive aroma to the chocolate.
Timmur brings together spice and chocolate to highlight exotic and authentic flavors. Chika Watanabe is celebrated for her innovative approach to chocolate making, often drawing inspiration from traditional Asian spices while incorporating techniques from both Japanese and European chocolate craftsmanship.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2022
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023
Krak Chocolade's Belize Peini Plantations 70% is a fine dark chocolate that features cacao sourced from the Peini Plantations in Belize. This product highlights the high-quality beans that are known for their complex flavor profiles, reflective of the rich agricultural heritage of the region.
The chocolate is crafted to offer a robust, deep, and nuanced taste experience with a balanced bitterness, ideal for discerning chocolate enthusiasts.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2022
Vietnam Anh Em B10 70% from Krak Chocolade is a premium dark chocolate with a rich cocoa content of 70%. It offers a complex flavor profile with fruity, nutty, and earthy notes, reflecting the unique terroir of Dak Lak, Vietnam. The smooth and creamy texture melts effortlessly in your mouth, delivering a luxurious experience.
Made from high-quality beans from Anh Em Cacao Co., this chocolate showcases the commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2022
Cento + Giuinott is a product made by Guido Castagna, an esteemed Italian chocolatier known for his artisanal approach to chocolate-making. This product combines high-quality chocolate with hazelnuts, a typical ingredient from the Piedmont region in Italy where Castagna is based.
The balance of rich, smooth chocolate and crunchy, flavorful hazelnuts exemplifies Castagna's commitment to using superior ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2022
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2021
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