Bean to Bar chocolate: from cocoa Bean to Bar, artisan chocolate gains momentum in Italy

Bean to bar artisan chocolate is increasingly establishing itself as one of the most dynamic and conscious segments of the Italian cocoa market. At the heart of this model lies the goal of building a true cocoa culture, similar to that of wine or coffee, capable of enhancing complexity, flavour and origin while ensuring a more sustainable supply chain—from the primary producer to the final consumer.

These topics were explored during the talk “Italian Bean to Bar Artisan Chocolate: Supply Chain, Opportunities and New Challenges”, held at SIGEP World, with contributions from Giacomo Banchini (Banchini Parma 1879) and Johonny Spagnolo, founder of Aroko Chocolate.

Bean to Bar Italy Association: Quality, Traceability and Sustainability

The discussion was organised by the Bean to Bar Chocolate Italy Association, which brings together around 30 artisan producers active across the country. The association represents companies committed to managing the entire production process, from cocoa bean selection to the finished chocolate bar, promoting quality, transparency and sustainability throughout the supply chain.

This approach strengthens the connection between cocoa growers, chocolate makers and consumers, fostering greater awareness of raw material origins and responsible production practices.

The Italian Chocolate Market: Value and Resilience

The Italian chocolate market is estimated to be worth between €2.4 and €2.6 billion, confirming its strategic importance within the national food industry. Despite the sharp rise in international cocoa prices, the artisan and premium chocolate segment continues to show resilience.

Between 2023 and 2024, cocoa prices increased by over +80%, reaching their highest level in the past forty years in 2025. In this challenging context, artisan chocolate still recorded stable growth of +5–6% in 2024 (source: IRI), highlighting strong consumer demand for quality-driven products.

Exports and Opportunities for Italian Bean to Bar Chocolate

On the international stage, Italian chocolate continues to strengthen its position. Italy exports approximately €420 million worth of cocoa- and chocolate-based products, marking a +4% increase compared to 2024. The main destination markets are France, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom.

For the bean to bar segment, these figures represent significant growth opportunities, especially for artisan producers capable of communicating provenance, craftsmanship and sustainability as key differentiating factors.

The Future of Artisan Chocolate Lies in Cocoa Culture

The path outlined by the Bean to Bar Italy Association and artisan chocolate makers shows that the future of the sector depends on spreading a more conscious cocoa culture. An approach that not only enhances the final product but also contributes to building a more sustainable and resilient supply chain—from bean to bar.