The 14th Annual Los Angeles CHOCOLATE SALON and the American Bean-to-Bar Movement
The Premier Artisan Chocolate Festival in Southern California takes place this fall at the 14th Annual Los Angeles CHOCOLATE SALON, September 25, 2022 at the Pasadena Center. Los Angeles CHOCOLATE SALON Returns in October 5, 2025. Today’s spotlight is on Los Angeles Chocolate Salon exhibitor: Codinha Chocolates.
Understanding the Bean-to-Bar Revolution
Lately chocolate is undergoing some changes, and most of them can be summed up with the phrase “bean to bar.” Bean to bar refers to a type of chocolate made from scratch with a focus on quality and transparency. The official definition is: “Bean-to-bar chocolate: A chocolate made from scratch by one company, starting with whole beans. This usually includes buying, roasting, grinding, and refining the beans in a single facility.”
The CAR Artisan Chocolate Collection
CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH THE CAR LIMITED EDITION PEPPERMINT DARK CHOCOLATE BAR. This collection reflects a thoughtful balance—where our signature blends meet refined craftsmanship and expressive flavor.
- Our Craftsman Collection pairs bold, dark chocolate with carefully chosen inclusions that add texture, contrast, and complexity to each bar.
- Our Heritage Collection highlights the distinct flavor and character of milk combined with regions around the world.
- Our Origin Collection highlights the distinct flavor and character of single origin cacao from select regions around the world.
Experience CAR chocolate beyond a bar. At Artisanal Goods by CAR Bakery & Cafe, indulge in the delightful combination of rich dark chocolate and buttery, flaky croissant dough in what has come to be known as “LA’s Ultimate Chocolate Croissant.” Visit for a wide a variety of organic, freshly baked pastries made with high-quality & whole ingredients.
Top Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Makers in the United States
The craft chocolate world is expanding almost every day. This updated list also notes woman-owned companies and BIPOC-owned companies. These are the ones that are personally worth trying and visiting.
- Acalli Chocolate (Woman owned). Location: New Orleans, Louisiana. Year Founded: 2015. Size: Tiny. Products: Two-ingredient bars as well as blends, inclusions, and milk chocolate made with beans from Peru and Mexico.
- Amano Artisan Chocolate. Location: Orem, Utah. Year Founded: 2005. Size: Small. Products: Single-origin bars, especially from Venezuela, and some inclusion bars. Provides to restaurants like Chez Panisse.
- Askinosie Chocolate. Location: Springfield, Missouri. Year Founded: 2006. Size: Large. Products: Single-origin (especially from Tanzania and the Philippines) and inclusion bars as well as collaboration bars.
- Batch Craft (Woman owned). Location: Charlotte, North Carolina. Year Founded: 2015. Size: Tiny. Products: Vegan dark chocolate bars that are released in limited edition two to three times per year.
- Bar Au Chocolat (Woman owned). Location: Manhattan Beach, California. Year Founded: 2010. Size: Tiny. Products: Two-ingredient single-origin bars and cacao and chocolate products for cooks.
- Brasstown Fine Artisan Chocolate. Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Year Founded: 2011. Size: Tiny. Products: Single-origin bars as well as inclusion bars with interesting ingredients like dried blueberries.
- Castronovo Chocolate (Woman owned). Location: Stuart, Florida. Year Founded: 2012. Size: Small. Products: Focuses on rare heirloom beans and single-origin bars.
News and Updates
- LA Chocolate Salon and Festival announces 2025 Awards
- Salon Talk: Creating Chocolate with Coffee
- SoCal fave Mignon Chocolate returns to LA Chocolate Salon on October 5th
- Truffles N Toffee joins the Los Angeles Chocolate Salon and Festival
Artisan Goods by CAR Bakery & Cafe Hours
TUES-THURS - 8:30-3pm. FRI-SUN - 8:30am-5pm. MON - Closed.
