The Chocolate Culturalist
Welcome to our stories and thought on chocolate culture
This blog is brought to you by Sophie, our founder, as she shares more about York's chocolate history and culture of chocolate consumption.
THE CHOCOLATE CULTURALIST
From Mary Tuke's defiance of the Merchant Adventurers in 1725 to Agnes Pilopaso's cocoa cooperative in Guadalcanal — the women who built York's chocolate industry have always been here. It's time their story was told.
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.
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.
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!
COCOA AND CHOCOLATE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Some of our thoughts and observations of the latest industry happenings
Did you see this news about the quest for “perfect” chocolate? For the thousands of...
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!
Our journey has been everything but a straight road! Looking back on it makes a...
YORK COCOA WORKS NEWS
Explore more news from the York Cocoa Works
In September 2024, we visited Agnes Pilopaso at her Tupughotua Cocoa Plantation in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands — and found one of the most remarkable origin stories in our chocolate making.
Yorkshire Day falls on 1st August, and in York — the county's chocolate capital — we're celebrating with tastings, workshops, and a look at the rich chocolate heritage that makes this county unlike any other.
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.
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