I tasted amazing new stuff in 2014!

My favourite new-coming chocolate makers:

• Pump Street Bakery (especially: Grenada 70% and Ecuador 75%)
• It’s Chocolate (especially: Chuao and Belize). New name: Brasstown Chocolate.
• Cacao Hunters (everything!)

Other new ones that I like: Metiisto, Doble & Bignall, Erithaj, Solstice and Cacaosuyo.

New bars from existing chocolate makers that are really awesome: 

• Idilio: Trinchera 74%
• Soma: La Dalia, Blend 82%, Peru Nacional, Little Big Man, Dancing in your head, Old School Nicaragua
• Tibor Szántó: Carenero Superior, Ben Tre, Ambolikapiky, Cuba
• Bar au Chocolat: Maranon
• Marou: Dak Lak
• French Broad: Matagalpa
• Ritual: Belize and Maranon

My most memorable experience was the production of the new Original Beans bars at Felchlin in July.  I will never forget that. It was very exciting to create new recipes together with Felchlin and the Original Beans team. I’m  so happy with the results! And I heard I’m not the only one May I say that these bars are my 2014’s favourites? Or will I be disqualified? Although it’s not weird to be in love with your own babies, right?  

Other chocolate highlights:  

• Chocoa Trade Fair and Festival, March in Amsterdam
• Origin Chocolate Event, October in Amsterdam 

What will happen in 2015? I’m looking forward to: 

• The bean (or tree?) -to-bars by Alexandre!
• The start of a Chocolate Academy in The Netherlands!
• Chocoa Trade Fair, Conferences and Festival 5-9th March in Amsterdam. Be there!
• Georg Bernardini’s new chocolate book September 2015
• And maybe some gorgeous new Original Beans products? 

Wish you all a delicious new chocolate year!