York Cocoa Works News

Welcome to our news, thoughts and experiences in the world of cocoa and chocolate.

This blog is brought to you by Sophie, our founder, as she shares more about our Chocolate making journey and reflections on the industry and our chocolate making vision.

Our story so far has been full of lots of insights into the world of our favourite product as we discover there's so much more to learn in order to build and shape a chocolate industry we can be proud of.

York Cocoa Works is our open chocolate manufactory as we endeavour to build an open, accessible and transparent chocolate making facility. We welcome your thoughts and input so together we can make better chocolate

YORK COCOA WORKS NEWS

Jun 04, 2026
Our Bean to Bar Chocolate Making Workshop invites you to make real chocolate — from roasting and winnowing to tempering and moulding your own finished bar. Here's what to expect.
Welcome to The Chocolate Culturalist — and Our Chocolate Lovers Club
May 29, 2026
Introducing The Chocolate Culturalist — our new blog dedicated to the stories, craft, and culture of chocolate — and the Chocolate Lovers Club, our way of rewarding everyone who shares our passion for better chocolate.
Most Sustainable Beverage in Yorkshire?
Feb 20, 2026
Last year we were finalists in the Deliciously Yorkshire Most Sustainable Product awards sponsored by...
Happy Hot Chocolate Day!
Jan 31, 2026
Sending a Happy Hot Chocolate Day to some of our fab new stockists - from Wilson’s Food Hall in Whitby, down to Dover, the heights of Mayfair and of course some fab venues in York! We’re delighted to have you on board and helping us sharing our chocolate mission! Fancy being a stockist - you can sign up here
Well done Calvin
Jan 19, 2026
So very proud of Calvin Luk representing UK at the World Pastry Cup! We’re so very pleased we could share our chocolate with you and had a chance to watch you grow and develop your chocolate and confectionery skills!
Cocoa Hunting in Papua New Guinea
Nov 12, 2025
Back into November with a bump and so many reflections on last weeks trip to Papua New Guinea! So many highlights but the Chocolate Cupping Ceremony hosted by the Yekere Co-operative is one that will stay with me for a long time.

COCOA AND CHOCOLATE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Some of our thoughts and observations of the latest industry happenings
Is there such a thing as the "perfect" chocolate bar?
Aug 30, 2025
Did you see this news about the quest for “perfect” chocolate? For the thousands of...
Catch us on The Food Program
May 17, 2025
This Easter we were delighted to welcome BBC Masterchef personality Leyla Kazim exploring, unsurprisingly chocolate!  Leyla explored our chocolate making process at York Cocoa Works as well as the many chocolate celebrations taking place as part of York Chocolate Festival before heading on up the road to discover a chocolate brand that's been fully embracing the "Dubai" Chocolate bar craze! 
Building A Meaningful Business
Feb 25, 2025
Our journey has been everything but a straight road! Looking back on it makes a...

THE CHOCOLATE CULTRALIST

Exploring Chocolate heritage from York and other consuming influences
Chocolate Maker vs Chocolatier: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
Jun 01, 2026
Chocolate maker and chocolatier are not the same thing — and understanding the difference changes how you think about every bar you eat. Here's what sets them apart, and why it matters.
Why York? The Geography of a Chocolate City
May 26, 2026
Of all the cities in Britain, why did York become the chocolate capital of the world? The answer lies in geography, trade, Quaker values, and the remarkable people who shaped a city — and an industry.
It’s not Terrys! It’s ours!!!
Jul 13, 2025
Many years ago I had a job to organise the factory closing party at the Terry’s Chocolate Factory - the owners wanted everyone to have been removed into the car park so they could lock the factory behind them so no one could steal or break things!

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