I wandered the NW chocolate festival in search of a nib, piece or confection that would enlighten my pallet and open my imagination. Ok, so maybe that wasn’t initially what I set out for, but that is what I got when I popped a piece of Brown Butter Bourbon Caramel from Fruition chocolate into my mouth. The chocolate was smooth and creamy as it melted over my tongue, then as the thin layer of 66% dark chocolate melted through, my mouth filled with a bourbon infused caramel. The bourbon used was from a distillery near Fruition chocolate in Shokan NY. As the caramel spread through my mouth and mixed with the chocolate, new flavors arose, smoky and earthy undertones seemed to be coming in much stronger, it was perfectly balanced so the bourbon just let you know it was there. My thoughts were of a perfect east coast fall, waves of orange, red and yellows, crisp air, good dark chocolate and some craft bourbon. All in this one confection.

By Travis Rodriguez

Raaka Chocolate founders: Ryan Cheney (right) and Nate Hodge (left), http://www.raakachocolate.com/pages/our-story

By Michael Hanson, (Offset), http://www.offset.com/photos/39379

In Cacao sourcing, as in many commodity supply chains, there are unique models of trade that craft producers can establish with a greater return for all stakeholders. A brieft description of the trade relationships can give only a glimpse into the complexities of souring cacao and importing foreign commodity agriculture.

Direct Trade is a model of working directly with the farmer. This model includes methods where the chocolate maker is buying the beans from local co-operatives and individual farmers. With Direct Trade, Chocolate Makers work with farmers to pay premium prices for quality cacao beans.

Farmers Co-Op is another model of working with farmers. Chocolate makers contract directly with cooperative that buy cacao from farmers and represent their best interest.

Bean to Bar at Origin Chocolate is made at the origin and imported to developed countries for consumption. Bean to Bar production creates jobs in the countries that grow cacao. This model ensures that more revenue from the sale of the finished product remains in the origin country.

source: NW Chocolate festival poster

A woman holds a handful cacao beans in her hands in the small, remote village of Chuao, Venezuela, By Michael Hanson, (Offset), http://www.offset.com/search/cacao