How to locate quality cacao beans to make your own chocolate.
Sourcing quality cacao to make chocolate
You want to make the very best chocolate around! As you may or may not know, it starts with using the best cacao bean you can get your hands on. And that is the most difficult challenge for all chocolate makers.
Not only do you want high quality aromatic cacao, but purchasing cacao that is fairly traded from reputable sources is also very important. That can be a daunting task.
This is why I have developed the Bean To Bar World Map and App. Both are free to use. There is the desktop version on this website, or you can download the free app via your smartphone app store.
How the bean to bar world map works
Visit the desktop version of map here: https://beantobarworld.com/the-map
Go to the filters icon
In the top left, click on the filters icon. Uncheck all the categories except for “cacao suppliers” in order to make it easier to see (see figure 1). All the green pins that appear are either cacao growers and/or cacao distributors.
You can then scroll around the map to find suppliers near where you are, or where you think you may want to purchase from.
Figure 1. Make sure to only check cacao suppliers so that they are easier to find. Uncheck all the other categories under the “filters” tab. Every green pin you see here is a cacao grower and/or cacao distributor.
Click on a pin to learn more
Scroll around the map, and locate an area you want to begin checking out. Usually receiving cacao from a distributor in your country is often easier for you. You will require less paperwork (or none at all) in regards to importing/shipping etc.
However, you may have heard of a supplier in a specific country, or you want to just browse other suppliers out there to see what they have to offer.
Once you click on the pin, the screen will zoom into their location on the map. A small window will pop up with the business name, address (or just city if there is no public access) along with other information. Many distributors are online only, and some may allow for visits upon request. You will have to visit their website to learn more.
Figure 2. When you click on a pin, the business information box will pop up. Read this to get some quick details about them.
Visit their website
Click on the orange WEBSITE button in their information box to visit their website. Some distributors allow you to purchase right from their website, and others require you to contact them via email first.
Either way, check out the website for information on their cacao, where they source it, and how their business model works.
Some distributors do offer you to purchase samples of cacao first. Some distributors sell small quantities (5 kilos) and others sell a larger minimum order. It’s up to you do your research.
Figure 3. Always visit the website to get the most updated information! Contact them as they usually love to hear from the public and answer your questions.
The hardest part is done for you!
The greatest challenge is finding these cacao suppliers of fine cacao. I’ve done that for you. Check back often to see if anymore cacao suppliers have been added.
If you are a cacao supplier/distributor/grower and wish to be added, please fill out the form here: https://beantobarworld.com/addeditmap It’s free to do so!
Part of the challenge and joy of being a chocolate making is hunting the cacao, trying various ones, experiment with roasting/refining, and go from there. The majority of these cacao suppliers focus on:
fine flavour cacao
fairly traded cacao
organic when possible
traceable
However, it is up to you to do your research. Find a cacao that suits your needs. Ask questions! If you still need some guidance, and are new to chocolate making, you can book a session with me to discuss your needs or questions via my online tutoring.