For all you chocolate lovers, industry professionals, and anyone else interested in learning more about the art and science of fine chocolate, this article is meant to inspire and deepen your appreciation for it and support the farmers, makers and other stakeholders who are committed to producing high-quality, sustainable chocolate.
So grab a bar of your favorite fine chocolate, settle in, and get ready to learn more about the FCIA and its work.
What is the FCIA?
The Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 with the mission of promoting fine chocolate, as well as supporting farmers and other stakeholders in the fine chocolate industry.
The FCIA is comprised of a network of individuals and organizations from various sectors of the fine chocolate industry. Members are committed to working together to promote best practices in chocolate production, sourcing, and marketing as well as advance the overall sustainability of the industry.
The FCIA offers a range of services and resources to its members, including educational programs, research initiatives, and networking opportunities. The organization also sponsors the annual Fine Chocolate Industry Association Recognition of Excellence Awards (or “Recognition Awards”), which recognize outstanding contributions to the fine chocolate industry in various categories, such as chocolate making and sustainability.
One recent project sponsored by the FCIA is the Fine Chocolate Glossary.
The glossary is a solution to a common challenge for anyone who works in the cocoa or chocolate industry, or who is on a journey of learning about them – what do we mean by the terms that we use?
Whether talking about cocoa agroforestry or the fine chocolate value chain, it can be difficult to know if what one person means when we say ‘agroforestry’ or ‘value chain’ is the same as what someone else means when they use those terms. If you’ve been wondering the specific definition of a particular chocolate term, check out the Fine Chocolate Glossary as a first step.
What is the “fine chocolate” industry?
The fine chocolate industry consists of companies that produce and distribute high-quality chocolate made from premium cocoa beans and manufactured with an emphasis on quality, flavor, and ethical sourcing. These companies are typically small businesses run by people passionate about the craft and committed to sourcing their cocoa beans from sustainable and fair trade sources.
Whereas mass-produced chocolate is often made with lower-quality ingredients and additives to extend shelf life, fine chocolate is typically made with only a few simple ingredients.
- Dark Chocolate Ingredients: Cocoa beans, sugar, and cocoa butter (some may include lecithin and vanilla).
- Milk Chocolate Ingredients: Cocoa beans, sugar, cocoa butter, milk solids, and milk fat (some may include, lecithin, and vanilla).
- White Chocolate Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa butter, milk solids, milk fat (some may include, lecithin, and vanilla).
Fine chocolate is often characterized by its unique flavor profiles, which can vary depending on the type of cocoa beans used, fermentation, roasting, the processing methods, and other factors.
In recent years, the fine chocolate industry has seen significant growth as consumers have become more interested in high-quality, artisanal food products and have become more aware of the social and environmental implications of their purchasing decisions.
Chocolate associations
A chocolate association is an organization that represents and promotes the interests of the chocolate and cacao industry.
Chocolate associations may work to promote the consumption of chocolate, advocate for policies that support the industry, provide educational seminars and resources for members, and undertake research and development initiatives related to chocolate.
Some examples of chocolate associations include:
- Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA)
- National Confectioners Association (NCA)
- Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute (FCCI)
- European Cocoa Association (ECA)
- World Cocoa Foundation (WCF).
Chocolate associations can be valuable resources for businesses and individuals in the chocolate industry, as they provide networking opportunities, industry-specific education, and advocacy.
As a fine chocolate business, we recommend supporting small chocolate businesses and associations that produce high-quality products made from premium ingredients. These businesses often provide a unique and satisfying taste experience that can’t be found in industrial chocolate bars. Additionally, many small chocolate businesses are committed to the sustainable and ethical sourcing of their cocoa beans.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us through our social media channels. We are @cocoterra_co on Instagram and Pinterest and @cocoterraco on Twitter and Facebook.
