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The 10 Best Chocolatiers in the World
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An array of chocolates at the Godiva Factory. (Photograph by Everjean, Flickr)
Each chocolatier on our list produces signature melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, be it a single-source dark chocolate bar, a cream- or liqueur-filled bonbon, a praline, fruit dipped in chocolate, a truffle, fudge, or some other sinfully delicious treat. You will never
regret indulging yourself with the confections produced by these premier chocolate-makers.
1. Teuscher (Zurich, Switzerland)
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Teuscher’s version of a box of chocolate. (Photographby Maako Tazawa, Flickr)
The Teuscher chocolate tradition began more than 70 years ago in a small town in the Swiss Alps. Dolf Teuscher scoured the world to find the finest cocoa, marzipan, fruits, nuts, and other ingredients with which to make his confectionery. After years ofexperimenting, he skillfully blended these ingredients into his now famous recipes.
Today the Teuscher kitchens in Zurich make more than 100 varieties of chocolates using these original recipes, which have been handed down from father to son. Only the finest and most expensive natural ingredients are used, and absolutely no chemicals,
additives, or preservatives are added. The house specialty is a champagne truffle, a blend of fresh cream, butter, and chocolate with a champagne cream center, dusted with confectioner’s sugar. Chocolates are flown to Teuscher stores worldwide weekly.
2. Vosges Haut-Chocolat (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
Owner and chocolatier Katrina Markoff chooses every spice, flower, and chocolate that is flown into the Vosges kitchen to be transformed into fine chocolates. She learned the art of French confectionery at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Further inspired by herglobal apprenticeships, infusions of rare spices and flowers are combined with premium chocolate in truffles such as Mexican vanilla bean and Argentinean dulce de leche.
3. Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Inc. (Berkeley, California, USA)
Scharffen Berger chocolate bars wrapped in a bow.(Photograph by John Loo, Flickr)
Specializing in dark chocolate, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker is a premier chocolate manufacturer. It executes each step of the manufacturing process itself, all the way from bean to bar, to ensure that its finished chocolate delivers a flavor like no other.The chocolate-makers first find the finest cacao available, then carefully taste and blend beans of different origins to create a unique flavor profile. All the chocolate is made in small batches using artisanal manufacturing methods. In addition to its ready-to-eat
bars, Scharffen Berger makes a variety of baking chocolates.
4. Jacques Torres Chocolate (New York, New York, USA)
When you step into Jacques Torres Chocolate, you feel as though you’ve stepped into a small European specialty store. Many customers compare the experience to the movie Chocolat. Jacques specializes in fresh, handcrafted chocolates. Eat them there,where cafe tables encourage you to sit, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy a freshly baked pain au chocolat — or take a selection home. Visitors often can see the chocolate goodies being prepared behind large glass windows. There are five Jacques TorresChocolate shops in the city, plus one in Harrah’s in Atlantic City.
5. Norman Love Confections (Ft. Myers, Florida, USA)
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Unwrapping Valrhona’s Ampamakia bar.(Photograph by Everjean, Flickr)
“Chocolate is my passion,” says Norman Love, who dreamed of making chocolate that was visually stunning as well as delicious. Love and a partner perfected a technique in which the colored designs for each candy are hand-painted or airbrushed intochocolate molds, which are then filled with the finest chocolate imported from Belgium, France, and Switzerland. The pumpkin white chocolate bonbon is almost too gorgeous to eat. Using only the freshest ingredients, his recipes call for pureed raspberries,bananas, ginger, caramel, passionfruit, and hazelnuts, to name a few.
6. Valrhona (France)
Valrhona has been creating exceptional gourmet chocolate since 1922, with cocoa beans purchased directly from premier plantations in South America, the Caribbean, and Pacific regions. The chocolate, made in the French style, comes in a variety of bars.
Valrhona was one of the first chocolatiers to describe its chocolate like wine, labeling creations as grand cru, single origins, single estate, and vintage chocolate from bean to bar. In 2008, it introduced spicy, salty Xocopili.
7. Godiva Chocolatier (Brussels, Belgium and worldwide)
It’s all about finishing touches at Godiva.
(Photograph by Everjean, Flickr)
The beginning of Godiva chocolates traces back to a 1920s chocolate- and sweet-making workshop owned and operated by the Draps family in Brussels, Belgium. Their “pralines,” typical Belgian filled chocolates, were sold in the large, highly fashionableshops. At the age of 14, Joseph Draps went into the family business. Over the years, he developed both his ability and creative talent as a master chocolate-maker as well as his business sense. He decided to create a prestige range of chocolates and to give itan evocative name. He chose “Godiva” and marketed his chocolates in instantly recognizable gold boxes. In recognition of its excellence, Godiva has been rewarded with an appointment as supplier to the Court of Belgium. Godiva continues to be an innovator
in gourmet chocolate.
8. Richard Donnelly Fine Chocolates (Santa Cruz, California, USA)
These chocolates are unusual, to say the least. Richard Donnelly likes to push the chocolate experience by combining its rich tones — he uses Belgian and French chocolate — with ingredients such as lavender, chipotle, saffron, cardamom, and Earl Grey tea.Such innovation helped Donnelly win the Best Artisan award at the prestigious Euro Chocolate Festival in Perugia, Italy, just ten years after he opened his shop. To maintain quality and ensure freshness, Donnelly produces no more than 50 pounds of chocolatea day. If you need a break from the exotic and unusual flavors, try Donnelly’s white chocolate macadamia nut or a honey vanilla caramel.
9. Richart (Paris, France)
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Puccini Bomboni’s doesn’t deliver, but it’s well
worth a trip to Amsterdam. (Photograph byNamealus, Flickr)
Committed to quality, the French chocolate-maker Richart guarantees you the most refined chocolates from the most refined ingredients. Richart recipes, developed and tested by the Richart family, have won France’s most prestigious confectioner’s honor, theRuban Bleu, seven times. Having perfected the art of chocolate making, Richart now focuses on enhanced flavors and distinctive designs and colors. A box of assorted chocolates is visually stunning. If you really want to impress, splurge on the $850 burlwood
vault with seven drawers of chocolate — complete with temperature and humidity gauges.
10. Puccini Bomboni (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
You will actually have to visit Amsterdam to sample what may be the best chocolates in the Netherlands. The proprietors of Puccini Bomboni, a delightful cafe and restaurant, hand-make each chocolate on the premises and do not deliver. Exotic combinationsof chocolate and spices, concocted from the freshest ingredients, are a specialty. Although the variety isn’t enormous, the quality is truly amazing.
This list originally appeared in the National Geographic book, The 10 Best of Everything: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers, by Nathaniel Lande and Andrew Lande.
Keywords:chocolate, Godiva, Jacques Torres, Norman Love, Puccini Bomboni, Richart, scharffen berger, Teuscher, Valrhona, Vosges Haut-Chocolat
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Comments
1. Rhiannon
CanadaDecember 28, 2012, 10:43 am
I’d like to put in my vote – Jacek Chocolates – based out of Edmonton, Canada.Jacqueline is amazing!
2. Peggy Coonley/Serendipity Traveler December 28, 2012, 12:42 pm
Sampled Teuscher in Zurich this year. Always fun to find local chocolate shops wherever we travel.
3. varun sharma United Kingdom
December 28, 2012, 2:50 pm
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Madame Chocolat in Beverly Hills … Mrs Jacques Torres … lovely :)
4. Denise NorCalDecember 28, 2012, 3:46 pm
4 out of ten I haven’t treid. I have a mission for 2013! thank you NatGeo!
5. Mae December 28, 2012, 4:16 pm
I was thrilled to see that Vosges Haut-Chocolat had made the list. BUT… I am appalled to see Godiva on here. The taste is one thing that doesn’t take the cake compared to a dazillion other chocolatier companies, but given that they use GMO
components it isn’t even considered “real” food! NG your rep is becoming puke.
6. Dave
United StatesDecember 28, 2012, 5:03 pm
What about Moonstruck Chocolate in Portland, Oregon?
7. Luc Minneapolis, MinnesotaDecember 28, 2012, 5:46 pm
First off, Godiva should not be on this list. Also, quite a few chocolatiers that should be on this list but aren’t are Leonidas, a very well-known Belgian confectioner. Callebaut is also not mentioned; they make excellent dipping chocolate
8. Patricia Kita United States
December 28, 2012, 6:34 pm
Sarris Candies, Cannonsburg, PA
9. LKD
caDecember 28, 2012, 11:22 pm
Huh, Godiva on the list?! And 5 out of 10 are in the States. Obviously, someone didnt make his trip to Brussel.
10. Doreen Pendgracs http://diversionswithdoreen.comDecember 28, 2012, 11:51 pm
A list such as this is highly subjective. I support Norman Love being on the list (his Black collection is absolutely divine) but I’m not sure I would include any of the rest. The piece doesn’t include the credentials of the 2 writers who compiled the list.
They could very likely have just arbitrarily included whoever they had encountered, without much research to support their choices. I know from personal experience that it takes years to travel the world in search of the best chocolate.
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11. Andrew
December 29, 2012, 9:07 am
This list is so subjective, and also objectively questionable (ie, Godiva outside of Belgium?) that it’s essentially useless.
12. Rachel
December 29, 2012, 12:42 pm
Godiva available in the US is not the same as Godiva that is properly made in Belgium. If you’ve ever had Godiva in Belgium, you’d notice the difference and probably find it deserving of this title. NG’s reputation holds up! However, NG, it wouldn’thurt to make people aware of the difference between Godiva in the US & the Godiva in Belgium.
13. michael December 30, 2012, 1:55 pm
Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Inc. (Berkeley, California, USA)
Should not be on this list in my opinion. The company is not a subsidary of Hershey. The cmopany and original manufacturing does not exist any more. Yes, their quality has changed since then.
14. mac December 30, 2012, 2:10 pm
G.Debbas Chocolatier. Has actually been named best chocolatier with the best product line 3 times at the Worlds Best Food Show.
Chocolates are literally to die for. Liquid Wine filled truffles!
How could you miss him!
15. Kensico PA
December 30, 2012, 2:23 pm
What no Eclat? West Chester PA
16. Pedro Ochoa
USADecember 31, 2012, 12:31 am
I will love to invite NG for a visit to the nest of the origin in flavor for chocolate, this list in incomplete without considering Latin America famous chocolatiers .. how it sounds since 1400 B.C.E. experience?http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/brief-history-of-chocolate.html
cheers,
17. Maya December 31, 2012, 5:25 pm
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seriously? where is the unbelievably delicious and high quality chocolates of french chocolatier “La Maison Du Chocolate”?
i had some while in NY and they were ten times better than any godiva (both american made and european made).
i’m with Doreen, what are the cardinals of those who made this list? what is their chocolate expertise?i’m a pastry student with a huge passion for chocolate but even i have never tasted every chocolate out there.
many of the establishments on this list are pretty well known chocolate places, i know barely a handful of people who don’t know about Godiva and Torres though none of them even lives in the US.
18. chocoholic californiaDecember 31, 2012, 5:50 pm
I have tried everyone of those chocolates…some of them are mass produced junk. Poor list. Not even close. Paul Young in London? Pierre Marcolini? Eric Rovira?…whoever wrote this list is high….
19. Judith Lewis http://MostlyAboutChocolate.com
December 31, 2012, 5:56 pm
Given this list misses the Academy of Chocolate award winners, ignores many top quality chocolatiers and includes chocolatiers who seem to manufacture more confection than quality chocolate, I feel this list is somewhat lacking in quality.
Obviously NG is not an expert publication within the food sector so we cannot expect an expertly compiled list. It might have increased the credibility of the list had either an Academy of Chocolate award-winner or an International Chocolate Awardwinner been included.
Sorry to see this lack on NG.
20. Dani December 31, 2012, 7:17 pm
Godiva??! And while you’re at it, you forgot:
Burdick’sMichel ChaudunMichel Cluizel
Dumon.And honorable mention to La Maison du Chocolat, Patrick Roger, and Pierre Herme.
21. Clay United StatesDecember 31, 2012, 9:03 pm
As someone who’s been following the chocolate world professionally for over a decade (and with an award-winning book on the subject that was published in 2007), this list is not what I would have expected from Nat Geo. I wonder what the criteriaused to select these ten companies were and how much of the word count of the article was lifted from the companies’ marketing materials (at least that’s the way it reads).
It’s poorly fact-checked, referring to “facts” that are well out of date (e.g., Scharffen Berger was bought by a subsidiary of Hershey in 2005 and moved out of Berkeley shortly thereafter, closing the factory and selling the equipment, much of which nowresides in Brooklyn, New York).
The authors also make the classic mistake of grouping chocolate makers (i.e., companies that make chocolate) with confectioners (companies that take chocolate made by other companies and make confections – bonbons and truffles – with thatchocolate). Putting Scharffen Berger and Richart on the same list makes absolutely no sense at all.
The list of issues I have with this selection is longer than the selection itself. Maybe the next time Nat Geo puts together a list like this they will ask someone who knows something about chocolate to compile it. Which is interesting given the background
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of Lande Sr (look him up in Wikipedia).
22. Julie Hayes UKJanuary 2, 2013, 12:25 pm
This article appears poorly researched? On what criteria?
Most of the list seem to be from the USA and I’m sorry but some of the best chocolatiers are found in Europe! Whose taste palet was this based on? What makes good chocolate? Cocoa content? There regions the cocoa pods come from? Thefabulous chefs that create the amazing recipes and taste sensations that melts on your tongue! There will be a huge amount if people that know good chocolate that will be disappointed in this list! Me being one if them! And I’ve worked in the chocolateindustry many years!
23. Don Brooklyn
January 3, 2013, 12:06 am
Mast Bros. is way better than all of them.
24. Daniel Greve
ChileJanuary 3, 2013, 1:14 am
Far from reality.
25. Areta Pearson CaliforniaJanuary 3, 2013, 2:38 am
With Godiva on the list you lost all credibility.
26. Teresa New ZealandJanuary 3, 2013, 3:55 am
I wonder where you would place Makana Chocolates – KeriKeri -NZ ? Having tasted many fine chocolates from northern europe I’d say they were right up there. By the way this list seems surprisingly USA heavy.
27. Anna Colorado
January 3, 2013, 9:45 am
Telluride Truffles. Hands down the very best.
28. peg MichiganJanuary 4, 2013, 6:18 am
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can’t agree more with clay’s comment. disappointed by nat geo and the selections. 5 out of 10 being american – that’s a joke!
29. George Ammerlaan
NederlandJanuary 4, 2013, 8:39 am
In Belgium, Godiva is seen as just one of many good chocolatiers. The really good ones include masters like Pierre Marcolini and the House of Wittamer.
30. Sue Teuscher USAJanuary 4, 2013, 2:51 pm
Teuscher chocolates have my vote !!
31. Lin USA
January 5, 2013, 1:45 pm
Agree with most, never would have put Godiva and the other US companies on the list.
Traveled the world, my #1 choice is Lauensteiner chocolates. I can not travel to Germany and not come home with 10+ boxes for family and friends. http://www.lauensteiner.de/. And going to the factory and staying at the nearby castle makes a perfecttrip to eating the chocolate. So happy that the chocolate is sold in the Munich airport so I can stock up when changing planes.
32. carmelita manga zamboanga , phillipinesJanuary 10, 2013, 8:12 am
putting godiva on this list really sucks.needs more research.
33. maria January 12, 2013, 6:45 am
poor me without having the permission of eating chocolate!
34. Ahmet Aydogan San Francisco, CA
January 12, 2013, 4:36 pm
This is a disappointing and poorly written piece by Nat Geo. Facts are either wrong is missing entirely. Comments by Clay (above) are spot on. Missing from the list are international award winners such as Amedei from Italy and Michel Cluizel.
New superb American bean-to-bar manufacturers such as Dandelion and Rogue are missed altogether. Confectioners such are Recchiuti from US and Brandtle from Switzerland are also missing.
Not one single authority appears to have been consulted in the production of the article or in the original book. Instead it appears to be nothing more than a list of company press materials haphazardly collated.
I recommend starting with Chloe Doutre-Roussel’s “The Chocolate Connoisseur” as a good place to start if one is truly interested in finding the “best” chocolate in the world!
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35. keryn geraldine - south canterbury new zealand
January 14, 2013, 7:10 pm
the heart of new zealand’s tiny community of Geraldine has chocolate connoisseur’s drooling – come visit us !
36. William Chinn
Los AngelesJanuary 16, 2013, 10:35 am
Since this is subjective, no comments about the writer’s choices. As a Chocoholic I’ve lived in Germany, France, Italy and found the best stores were very good. Much better than generic U.S. brands including Godiva. However, a trip to Brussels taughtme that many Mom & Pop shops there rate in as excellent and still affordable, and I would not turn down a trip back just for the Chocolate.
37. tholance
parisJanuary 17, 2013, 4:09 pm
i’d like to add “la maison du chocolat” and “jean-paul hévin” in Paris.
38. michelle demayo stanhope, njJanuary 17, 2013, 6:57 pm
Good All American Hershey Chocolate Bar … that’s Good Eats
39. michelle demayo stanhope, NJJanuary 17, 2013, 7:02 pm
Oh and a shout out for Hershey, PA …. Love your Hershey’s Chocolate kisses … can’t imagine the world without a kiss (:
40. PATRICK LAURENT franceJanuary 21, 2013, 2:47 pm
you should go down to mexico in valladolid exactly to see what real cacao organic can transformed into o precious black jewel.
they have a little mayan chocolate factory and it really take your breath away. you really need to go there have fun and enjoy it.
41. LUZMA VAZQUEZ MEXICOJanuary 23, 2013, 9:54 pm
Los mejores que he probado son See’s Candies
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en especial el ue antes se llamaba San Francisco,o todos los obscuros con nueces, es lo mejor de lomejor
DIOS LOS BENDIGA”"”Saludos!!!Atentamente, bye…
42. Russell Townshend Cary, NCJanuary 24, 2013, 7:32 am
How about Escazu chocolates in Raleigh, NC? One of the best anywhere.
And you missed the best chocolate in the world IMHO: Amano in Orem, Utah.
43. Donna Anywhere you'd like to travel to!January 24, 2013, 8:16 pm
Ohhhh some of the mentioned European choco shoppes have my vote and repeat performance on sampling and purchasing for sure! Chocolate, the un-mentioned and extremely important food group! http://www.DonnaSalernoTravel.com
44. Ralph milwaukeeJanuary 26, 2013, 8:18 am
Godiva? you gotta be kidding … I agree with the comment that including Godiva on your list killed your credibility — sadly, I will read all your lists with the same skepticism. no more Gell-Mann Amnesia ….
45. cheryl british columbia canadaJanuary 27, 2013, 9:20 am
strange out of the whole world….5 are American!! I doubt it !!
46. kathleen SF Bay Area
January 27, 2013, 9:27 pm
If anyone reads this far down the comments for other excellent chocolate makers, I’d add Guittard of San Francisco to the list — when visiting SF, it won’t be a great loss to skip Girardhelli, though the waterfront tour and sundaes are fun with kids; buttry See’s and Guittard chocolates. Bay Area-made Scharffen Berger is fair in my subjective opinion, but just not as good as Guittard or even See’s.
47. steph frazier argentinaJanuary 29, 2013, 11:28 am
Its very subjective who makes the best chocolate. Most would argue that Europe it the place where the best chocolate comes from. I think that the best is chocolate is from Godiva, although others on this forum seem to disagree.
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which is the bestchocolate?
48. Mary Lojek USAJanuary 30, 2013, 8:29 am
Because Godiva is available everywhere, it can’t be good, right? The “I have to fly to Europe” to get good chocolate sounds elitist. Without a doubt, there are many great chocolatiers, large and small, around the world. The article did alert me, the nonchocolate expert, to try more chocolates as I travel. I look forward to trying these on the list. Check out Concertos in Chocolate in Boulder and Christophe in Charleston, SC. Nice. Love these small passionate chocolate makers.
49. brooklyn85 nyJanuary 31, 2013, 10:31 am
i agree with Ahmet Aydogan and Clay. how did they compile this list? this article is like a big advertisement. not sure how magazines work, but is it possible NG could be paid by some of these companies for a mention? either that or the writers are just
really not all that informed on the subject.
50. Tom Riddle
USAJanuary 31, 2013, 12:02 pm
Hmm.. You get 5 in USA. That relieves me.
51. hjh CanadaJanuary 31, 2013, 6:42 pm
Debauve et Gallais in Paris is simply incredible. They may also be the oldest continuously operating chocolatier having been established in 1800. Maison du chocolate is also extraordinary.I do quite like Vosges as well. Very creative.
52. Mark Zaleski NY (formerly France)February 1, 2013, 9:33 pm
MY vote goes to Chocolatier Joel Durant. Small shop in in Sant Remy de Provence but now ships. Truly creative incorporating the flavors and aromas of Provence into chocolate and top notch quality.
53. Bertil ParisFebruary 5, 2013, 7:16 am
Thank you Clay for your perfect comment on this article. Nat Geo shows in this very unprofessional article that they have no clue about chocolate. May be they should get inspired by the French “GEO Magazine” issue coming in May or the French TVProgram “Envoyé Spécial” who will feature together some of the best French chocolate makers (Pralus, Bonnat, Marou, Akesson’s) that all happen to be among the best in the world. As America is certainly the most innovative country right now in the
chocolate world, there is also much to say about world class chocolate makers like Amano, Askinosie, Dandelion, Mast Brothers, Patrick, Ritual, Rogue and many others that are showing a new way about craft and quality.
54. Patricia
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MissouriFebruary 5, 2013, 4:10 pm
“The Ten BEST Chocolatiers…” This list is by far a more subjective perspective…What about Neuhaus Belgium Chocolate?…or perhaps two of my fave organic chocolate artists in Paris – Patrick Roger and Pierre Marcolini – who are WorldChocolate Masters…come on NG you are suppose to be “World Leaders” in reporting accuracy – you should investigate more thoroughly the subject you are reporting.
55. TARA TAN KITAOKA JAPANFebruary 6, 2013, 5:56 am
PLS tell me , why godiva can be on the best chocolates list ???.
56. Ronaldo Bailey F26310 BEAUMONT-en-DioisFebruary 6, 2013, 6:24 pm
Agree that Godiva unacceptable, and that Leonidas among the very best, considering that their prices are probably the lowest and it is not ‘acceptable’ in certain circles esp. in Brussels to offer them… stoopid, like most snotty affectations. But
the ‘very’ best are apparently by an old lady in a small house somewhere on the (U.S stylee-long – 2000 nrs?) ch. de Wavre. whom I’ve been seeking in vain for yrs, and apparently supplies the’ Palais’. King Albert II is said to be a choco conoisseur.
57. Daryl Roberts
Overland Park KansasFebruary 7, 2013, 8:34 am
You forgot the BEST CHOCLATES in the world
Christopher Elbow Kansas City Mo
Also make the best ice cream in the world
58. Pierre Agen Dublin, IrelandFebruary 7, 2013, 8:46 am
Too many American companies – your rep should have travelled around Europe. Great Belgian and French chocolatiers not even mentioned.
59. Oblio MissouriFebruary 7, 2013, 8:52 am
I’ve sampled Scharffen Berger, and found their chocolates gritty and unpleasant. Askinosie makes a vastly superior chocolate, and is one of the few bean-to-bar chocolatiers in the US. Also, I’ll put in a plug for Christopher Elbow, originating in KC(elbowchocolates.com) – both delicious and beautiful.
60. Rita Brussels, BelgiumFebruary 7, 2013, 9:08 am
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This list is completely inaccurate and just made for an American audience, when I see comments like, Leonidas is not on the list, this is really not tops, and if you offer chocolates to a Belgian avoid that brand you will come over as cheap in every senseof the word; they have low prices because there is a lot of sugar (cheap) and no identified or rare cocoa in their pralines. Neuhaus is at least as good or better than Godiva (not bad but who used to be better 20 years ago); the shop in the little house MrBailey refers to is Passion chocolat (near place Montgomery not chausse de Wavre) they moved to a little shop on the sablon, and the lady sold the shop to a little atelier. The best is MARCOLINI check it out, however I would say it is for realconnaisseurs and pricey! Every year there are limited editions with top cocoa’s from special haciendas…..not to speak of the pastries !! Paris has marvelous chocolatiers but not so famous; I travel a lot in the US, I have tried every special shop butnever found anything comparable to European brands.
61. roland weibel edmonton abFebruary 7, 2013, 9:15 am
bahnhof strasse in zurich lindt+spruengli
a 8cm 1cm diameter chocolate nuggat stick filled with kirschonly available there.its to fragile to ship.how sweet it is……..
62. Chris February 7, 2013, 9:20 am
NG is correct. This is a list of some of the best chocolatiers in the world. But, they missed two … Fran’s in Seattle and the Chocolate Cafe on Sedona. Fran’s because she makes the world’s best smoked sea salt chocolate covered carmels and theChocolate Cafe because they make the world’s best organic chocolate. If you doubt me on either one check out each if these fine chocolatiers web site and when you are ready have some shipped to your home. Or better yet, go visit their shops inSeattle and Sedona.
63. Lisa PAFebruary 7, 2013, 9:22 am
You should to try Éclat Chocolate in West Chester, PA when you update this list.
I’m surprised some of the big chocolatiers are listed here, especially Godiva. Their marketing is much better than their chocolate.
64. deborah lesley rivera barrington, illinoisFebruary 7, 2013, 10:01 am
ambrosia patisserie could easily be included here. fresh and natural are key to delicious, fine chocolates and both are found at this boutique shoppe.
65. John Richardson February 7, 2013, 10:03 am
Hawaiian Chocolate Company. One of the only Chocolate companies to grow, harvest, process and produce their own chocolate.
66. sdd Fountain Hills,AZ
February 7, 2013, 10:10 am
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I vote for Chocofin Choclatiers in Fountain Hills,AZ
67. Jim Sedalia, MO
February 7, 2013, 10:16 am
It’s hard to pick the 10 best of anything in the world, and I’m certainly not well-traveled enough to comment on the Swiss, but I highly recommend Christopher Elbow Chocolates in Kansas City, MO. Exquisite!
68. Irini Gortsila
GreeceFebruary 7, 2013, 10:34 am
Allow me to add : Pierre Marcolini in Brussels, Wittamer in Brussels also, Dalmayer in Munich….. thank you
69. Miguel Valencia,VenezuelaFebruary 7, 2013, 10:54 am
El Rey, Venezuelan chocolate brand, made from Venezuelan Cacao (cocoa) . Best withe chocolate in ICOA 2012, or San Joaquin dark chocolat ,private reserve.Yes I´m Venezuelan, ha, ha
70. Pat Vancouver, CanadaFebruary 7, 2013, 10:57 am
Thomas Haas now in Vancouver, has brought his chocolates from Germany to New York to Vancouver – to die for!
71. swawa San Francisco, CAFebruary 7, 2013, 11:00 am
I absolutely cannot believe Sprüngli wasn’t on this list. I live in the SF Bay Area and didn’t think Scharffenberger was anything special even before Hershey soiled it. Agree with most comments – research/expand your horizons more or add a statement
that this list is a subjective list probably by someone who, perhaps hasn’t traveled outside of the states…
72. Ong
SingaporeFebruary 7, 2013, 11:02 am
Royce Japan.
cheap but good, Lindt Switzerland.
73. robert michigan
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February 7, 2013, 11:04 am
This reminds me of wine tasters, snobbery reigns. Most have no clue once the labels are removed.
74. Carrie kelly Dana Point, CA USAFebruary 7, 2013, 11:07 am
I agree that Godiva chocolate should NOT be on this list. It tastes cheap, thin and too sweet, almost as bad a Giradelli, which tastes like gray, pastey sand. I use ONLY Scharffenberger to cook with and their Dutch cocoa for hot cocoa (powder only)… it is always amazing and people rave about my brownies and other chocloate goods. I cannot comment on the other chocolates, HOWEVER, I can say that the only Chocolatier in out area is Le Chocolatier in Laguna Beach, CA. I have hadMOSTLY good, although one very disappointing experience with their chocolates.
75. hen26ry Munich/GermanyFebruary 7, 2013, 11:13 am
… Cadiot Badie, Bordeaux, France
76. Bella Toronto, CanadaFebruary 7, 2013, 11:14 am
An inspiring list. Many thanks.
Since this is National Geographic, perhaps a future list can be of the top organic/ethical chocolate producers and purveyors. Some of their chocolate is glorious. Mmmm.
77. Whitney BangkokFebruary 7, 2013, 11:39 am
No Leonidas, no Wittamer, no Neuhaus. No credibility.
78. Margaret L Bryant United StatesFebruary 7, 2013, 11:52 am
You have not tried Ah!Some Chocolates of Shavertown PA. The have hand rolled truffles made from the worlds best chocolate – Fortunado #4!!
79. Doreen Pendgracs Manitoba, Canada
February 7, 2013, 12:22 pm
Glad to see the discussion is ongoing on this post. I commented on this list back in Dec and objected to its validity. Someone referred me to the list today as they know I’ve been researching chocolate for 3+ years and I’m glad to see that most readersdo not agree with the choices on the list or are impressed with the lack of credentials of the authors who compiled it. There are at least 3 people who have made recent comments here (myself included) who would have been much more qualified tocompile a credible list for an esteemed publication such as National Geographic. All they had to do was ask!
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80. Cathy Kurvers United StatesFebruary 7, 2013, 1:09 pm
Dilettante Chocolate’s in Seattle, Washington is WAY better than Godiva. Wonder if they were even in the running. Should have been, IMHO. http://www.Dilettante.com
81. Carmen Farré Fiol Cerdanyola del VallèsFebruary 7, 2013, 1:36 pm
FARGAS chocolates, a small shop in Barcelona (Catalonia) is the best for me.
FARGAS – Carrer del Pi, 16 Barcelona, 08002
82. Candace
South CarolinaFebruary 7, 2013, 1:37 pm
My favorite is Harbor Sweets in Salem, MA. Their Sweet Sloops are addictive!
83. John Perkins Nakusp, British Columbia,CanadaFebruary 7, 2013, 2:26 pm
Jennifer’s Chocolates in Nakusp – sans pareil !
84. Suzanne Westmount Qc CanadaFebruary 7, 2013, 2:34 pm
My Swiss husband introduced me to Teuscher’s chocolates some 35 years ago. ..You should have listed Sprüngli, also in Zurich…
85. Tee New ZealandFebruary 7, 2013, 3:00 pm
Patagonia Chocolates in Queenstown .. amazing … and the most delicious hot chocolate & chocolate ice cream too!
86. JoAnne OrFebruary 7, 2013, 3:03 pm
I agree with Moonstruck Chocolate in Portland, Oregon :)
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87. Sharen Eskridge Rancho Mirage, CaliforniaFebruary 7, 2013, 3:05 pm
How could you miss Fran’s Chocolates in Seattle, WA? She has an exceptional product and produces the best dark chocolate I have ever tasted. Even the New York Times and Washington Post recognize her superior product!
88. Mike February 7, 2013, 3:49 pm
Interesting!
89. martinez MadridFebruary 7, 2013, 4:25 pm
If you’re a chocolate gourmet, you must include LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT in the list of the 10 best chocolatiers in the world.
90. Suzette Gregoire Sparks, Nevada USAFebruary 7, 2013, 4:37 pm
I love Valrhona and have for over 20 years, I have also tried a few of the others on the list and they are as well very good. I don’t understand Godiva on the list though. Maybe next time you could have reader participation ? I’ll be savoring my 72%
now.
91. Erik
BelgiëFebruary 7, 2013, 4:43 pm
Godiva is good, but Neuhaus is much better. Do you know Mary (www.Mary.be)? etc…
92. Julian Hebbrecht Ghent, BelgiumFebruary 7, 2013, 5:18 pm
Godiva used to be better but quality changed after it was taken over by a Turkish company – and it’s also far too expensive – daylight robbery. The most popular brand in Belgium is Leonidas. The Godiva shop in Ghent even closed down becausenobody was willing to buy their overpriced stuff anymore. We also have Neuhaus, Wittamer and Daskalides here – who made this list anyway?
93. leslie moraga,caFebruary 7, 2013, 5:58 pm
I agree with some of the previous comments. Where to begin, Godiva and Scharffen Berger should come off the list. But you cannot possibly try all chocolate everywhere. Next time you are out to find the best chocolate in the SF Bay area you must tryTCHO, Dandelion Chocolates, and lastly Recchiuti Chocolates. All three are bean to bar. Simply Fabulous
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94. IXCACAO Maya Belizean Chocolate BelizeFebruary 7, 2013, 7:00 pm
We at the once known as Cyrila’s Chocolate and now is IXCACAO Maya Belizean Chocolate one hundred % Maya, we welcome you all to come to Belize and experience Chocolate as many have came here look us up onixcacaomayabelizeanchocolate.com or on our ratingshttp://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g291980-d2098214-Reviews-Cyrila_s_Maya_Belizean_Chocolate-Punta_Gorda_Toledo.html
95. fred Cali, ColombiaFebruary 7, 2013, 7:56 pm
I’m no expert in chocolates. In U.S.A. they toched my sweet…how do you say? In Los Angeles is the main plant of SEE’S candies which I find exquisite. How come they didn’t make the list?
Another point. In Cali and perhaps all Colombia there is hardly demand for fine chocolate confections. I have always wondered why?
96. Roxanne Browning NY
February 7, 2013, 8:06 pm
You forgot the most recognized chocolatier by most in the chocolate business, Paul Young in the UK. Godiva! what are you thinking? When you buy it in a big box store next to a whitman sampler. This is a list of one persons opinion, not a true samplingwithin the industry. I’m a chocolate sommelier in NY and I know a bit about the leaders.
97. Wong Hong KongFebruary 7, 2013, 8:17 pm
Why so many are from the States?Pierre Marcolini should be on the list and not Godiva!
98. Gretchen Ludders Glenburn, PaFebruary 7, 2013, 9:44 pm
Theo’s chocolate in Seattle gets my vote and Patagonia in Queenstown is a close second.
99. Sajed Kazi Dhaka, BangladeshFebruary 7, 2013, 10:02 pm
Surprised to see, Lindt missed out! Also since when americans make good chocolate, need to check your taste buds for quality assurance!
100. Family Baldwin Brantford, Ontario, Canada
February 7, 2013, 10:02 pm
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Canada has a world class chocolatier serving up hand-made treats since 1885 to a world-wide appreciative customer base of over 50 countries. I am very proud to recommend to all ROGERS’ CHOCOLATES of Victoia, B.C. Canada. You are ableto see the offerings at rogerschocolates.com but be warned, cover your keyboard to protect it from drool. Shame on National Geographic for not knowing of this delicious company.
101. Gustav February 7, 2013, 10:28 pm
Amedei is not on this list. The article has no credibility.
102. ludongchen chinaFebruary 7, 2013, 11:02 pm
I don’t think such list is convincing, as Chocolate taste is a very subjective thing. With 3 years of living experience in Belgium, I do believe there are lot of family brands do worth trying for candiate of best chocolatiers.
103. Swarnava IndiaFebruary 7, 2013, 11:46 pm
I would love to have the “Norman Love Cofection”..
104. Melissa Lititz, PAFebruary 8, 2013, 12:21 am
Godiva-are you kidding? Come to Lititz and try some Wilbur Buds-they are so much better than Hershey kisses.
105. alex voir peruFebruary 8, 2013, 1:51 am
you should try goya
106. Gregory Adam South AfricaFebruary 8, 2013, 3:41 am
What about “Ferrero Rocher ” ??
107. Chris
Washington DCFebruary 8, 2013, 5:39 am
Valrhona is very good for a large producer, the default chocolate for many top-flight French patissiers, but Bernachon in Lyon, France should be on this list. A small bean-to-bar producer, family-owned for generations and very traditional, with an
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elegant and hospitable retail store and cafe. Impeccably smooth texture, glossy sheen, and crisp break, with fresh flavors that really pop from top-quality ingredients throughout. Makes one completely forget about Scharffen Berger and Godiva.
108. Andrea Frey Australia
February 8, 2013, 5:45 am
Poor list.5 /10 are from the US and some of those don’t even produce their own chocolate from beans – mere lolly retailers.
Severe damage done to NG’s reputation I’d say.
109. Judy Mechanicsburg, PAFebruary 8, 2013, 9:11 am
What a fabulous collection of unique and classic combinations — however, until you have tried Zoe’s Chocolates –you are truly missing out — I buy mine at their shop in Frederick, MD — they have already won several awards and I highly recommendchecking them out — you can even order online. FYI — try their pinot noir and apple pie chocolates — two of my favorites — you won’t be disappointed they are all truly heavenly. Judy — just a military person who has had the good fortune to trychocolates around the world.
110. Sean Schick Miami, Fl, U.S.A.February 9, 2013, 2:31 am
Lindt must be the number one on that list. Eat and judge. Go to duty free shops and super markets what sells the most are Lindt , Nestle and Hershey.
111. sandy China
February 9, 2013, 4:23 am
They must be very delicious, although i have not eaten them.what a pity!
112. Annie Israel
Gent BelgiumFebruary 9, 2013, 4:46 am
Belgium is known being number 1 in the world as the best chocolate producing country – that is FACT. Belgium has come out with poststamps that when you lick them they taste like chocolate – a premier – the stamps has beautiful pictures of varioustypes of chocolates
113. tony February 9, 2013, 12:19 pm
theres nothing like the original Mexican Chocolate ¡¡¡¡
114. Uncle Keith
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San Diego
February 9, 2013, 8:18 pm
The best chocolate that I ‘ve tried is from Bissinger’s in St. Louis. They started in the 1600′s in France and Mr. Bissinger came to the U. S. in 1845. Their chocolate includes truffles, solid chocolate (milk and 3 types of dark.) Many other mouthwatering chocolates.
115. paolo ItalyFebruary 10, 2013, 8:31 am
I think someone should have a trip to Turin, Italy-
116. Giuseppe Romagnoli Saluzzo ItaliaFebruary 11, 2013, 11:51 am
Why there are no Gobino and Pejrano of Turin, the best chocolatier of Italy?And Amedei Tuscan chocolatier with his own fields in South America?
117. Francis Sunyani, GhanaFebruary 12, 2013, 7:28 am
The best choco I’ve ever tasted and admired was in Brofoyedu a small city in the Dormaa Municipality in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. The factory was established in 1200. I wish people travel down town and have seen at it.
118. ann February 12, 2013, 11:46 pm
Bonnoir chocolates in Grenada, Spain
119. Stina February 16, 2013, 7:58 pm
This list cannot be taken seriously without the inclusion of Christopher Elbow.
120. Silvino Reyes VenezuelaFebruary 18, 2013, 10:48 am
Where is:a. Amadei?b. San Jose?c. Chua Chocolatier
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121. Judith Clark Hamilton, CanadaFebruary 27, 2013, 4:38 pm
That list should include Rogers Chocolates from Victoria, B.C. Canada, and also Laguna Negri chocolates from Ushuaia, Argentina. Argentina is a long way to go for chocolate, but my first stop when I get there.
122. Rama JakartaMarch 6, 2013, 3:05 pm
HAHA..This is a JOKE! Have no desire to read the details since the lists are very common.
Went to many Chocolatiers my pick goes to Stephane Dumon in Bruge and/or BUBO in Barcelona
123. Joanne Grego
Columbia MDMarch 6, 2013, 3:50 pm
Try Sweet Cascades in Ellicott City MD. Love their dark chocolate sea salt caramels. Have heard raves about their white chocolate cranberry/nut bark also. Its all very good.
124. Natasya Lumington JakartaMarch 7, 2013, 8:42 am
Cool! They also put Vosges Haut-Chocolat on the second! Always be my favorite! jakpost.travel
125. Karen Crofton, MDMarch 7, 2013, 3:34 pm
I’m a little biased, but Kilwins is the best:
https://www.kilwins.com/crofton
Try it soon, April 2013
126. Ritesh Chaturvedi London,EnglandMarch 9, 2013, 6:25 am
The Chocolate Line in Brugge, Belgium is one of the finest chocolatiers I have come across.
http://www.thechocolateline.be/index.asp?taal=en
127. David Glick
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DallasMarch 10, 2013, 12:35 am
1. I don’t recall so many Godiva haters in one place. To be fair, you’ve got to admit that their ice cream is pretty tasty. So screw the chocolates I’ll have another scoop of white chocolate raspberry swirl please.2. In my own backyard there is a a specialty shop called :chocolate secrets:. It’s a small boutique of exclusive hand made and hand painted bonbons that are unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. My fave are the chocolate covered blueberries. I don’t know
where they get their perfectly ripe,sweet,Herculean blueberries, but suffice it to say that when the combination comes together in your mouth, the result is far far greater than the two components alone!!! I’ll buy a huge bag full and distribute them to myfriends and shopkeepers, just to see the reaction on their faces with a very loud MMmmmmm.3.I agree that NG disappointed us with their unprofessional findings. How hard would it be to have asked a chef???Power to the search string! David
128. Frank Hernández VenezuelaMarch 16, 2013, 8:46 pm
I guess the best chocolate in the world is CriCri by Nestle. It’s a venezuelan chocolate so delicious! It’s better than Hershey’s and Resse’s.
129. hamza pakistanApril 6, 2013, 12:25 pm
i will vote dairy milk.
130. Allyson Port Washington WIApril 7, 2013, 1:11 pm
I loved the highlights of the top 10. Might I suggest that you can find equally exceptional decadence at the Chocolate Chisel in Port Washingtion, WI. Located in the quaint little fishing town , artist John Reichert hand crafts the entire chocolate experience
, from designing unique molds (a self taught artist who has made his living creating and carving sculptures of various mediums and showcased throughout the United States) to extensive travel for the perfect beans, his chocolate is truly for the connoisseur.
131. baba ganma
indiaApril 15, 2013, 8:32 am
I think cadbury chocolate best chocolate brand and tastier in india regaurds http://livenewshot.com
132. Lisa Williamson Chicago, il USAApril 24, 2013, 7:34 am
I have the world specifically seeking out chocolate shops.Paris, Sydney, Prague, Copenhagen, Amsterdam just to name a few cities. There is no comparison, Pierre Marcollini in Brussels is the best chocolate in the world, if you can afford it! There is a place in Brussels where three streets meet, Neuhaus,Godiva and Pierre Marcollini each have a corner. Talk about taste testing! But the experience in the Marcollini store combined with the delicious chocolates, no comparison!
133. slafo Schweiz
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April 25, 2013, 3:31 pm
5 of 10 best chocolatiers are from US? Are you serious? I’ve had a chance to try several chocolates in US and none of them was edible. Terrible!This list must been made by some stupid american idiot.
134. Najarala USAApril 26, 2013, 7:14 pm
Mast Brothers chocolate , Brooklyn N.Y.
135. Didier Pieters Gent, BelgiumMay 2, 2013, 6:24 pm
Visit Belgium for the best chocolatiers: The Chocolate Line (Bruges and Antwerp), Wittamer (Brussels), Patrick Roger (French, store in Brussels), Marcolini,(Brussels and Antwerp), Joost Arijs (Gent) … The list is long and Godiva definitely shouldn’t
be on it!
136. Ignacio R TexasMay 4, 2013, 7:32 pm
Go to the real owner of chocolate, The Aztecs therefore, Mexico and you will find the best chocolate in the world right from the creators both processed and in the raw form in Oaxaca state.
137. Irene Rochester, NYMay 9, 2013, 8:30 am
Anyone who thinks that Hershey rates as good chocolate has no clue about what really good European chocolate tastes like.
138. Lamis Beirut, LebanonMay 11, 2013, 4:49 am
What about Neuhaus and Michel Cluizel? Godiva does not even compare. Too commercial!
139. giao nguyen
Little Saigon - CaliforniaMay 18, 2013, 12:16 am
Must be all European chocolate and zChocolat should on the list. Check out http://www.zChocolat.com
140. Anne Sacramento
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June 28, 2013, 9:32 pm
I can’t believe Godiva made the list. Their chocolate is “waxy” and they use way too much sugar. The quality is just not there.
141. ahu tugba ukJuly 1, 2013, 3:28 pm
If i am not wrong Godiva of the USA was sold to Yildiz Holding, the 10th biggest chocolate company in the world, couple of months ago. Obviously Godiva USA disappointed some American consumers but they have higher standards and expectations
in Europe. If you want to eat good chocolate come to Europe. I am not sure if they are any longer Belgian but the quality of Godiva chocolates are the same. I never tasted Godiva USA so I cannot make a comparision here but I like the taste of newGodiva organic with Turkish hazelnuts.
142. Travelopod.com CaliforniaJuly 10, 2013, 8:24 pm
Just tried Godiva… Have a big todo list now! Amazing post …I have to add Zotter from Austria is amazing local chocolate! Would surely prefer it over Mass produced Godiva
143. ConnorCarlson Cains, AustrailiaJuly 15, 2013, 7:03 pm
Lots of good looking chocolate… I’m hungry!!!
144. Ferril Frank MarsJuly 15, 2013, 7:07 pm
What’s chocolate?
145. bla bla bla lala landJuly 15, 2013, 7:08 pm
nom nom
146. Ferril Frank MarsJuly 15, 2013, 7:11 pm
Has any-one ever tried hunkes
147. Tina
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July 19, 2013, 8:58 pm
Lists like this are subjective. People really need to get off their high horses.
148. María MedellínJuly 20, 2013, 10:59 pm
The fact that Godiva is even on this list lets me know that this list is a big FAIL! And Pierre Marcolini not on the list??? This is all wrong!!
149. bibigun RomaniaJuly 30, 2013, 11:33 am
i’d say Anthon Berg
150. Onur Aydın Turkey
August 2, 2013, 8:41 am
There is no Albeni or Tadelle on this list, thus it’s not real.
151. Hafsa Akmal DavisAugust 8, 2013, 10:10 pm
I like chocolates from holland
152. Elis Toronto, CAAugust 18, 2013, 4:33 pm
Here’s another candidate that might be in the list (just my opinion): http://www.chocolatetales.ca/
153. 12 August 27, 2013, 1:02 am
pretty crappy list, Belgian chocolates are #1 and then swiss #2 everything else is adequate chocolate.
154. Tracy N-YSeptember 3, 2013, 1:30 pm
In my opinion Planete Chocolat might be in the list, the best HANDMADE chocolatier that I ever taste in Brussels : http://www.planetechocolat.be
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155. Rabia Nasir September 3, 2013, 1:40 pm
What about PATCHI Chocolate? It’s the best thing in the world. Better than Godiva.
156. Patricia M Washington, DCSeptember 10, 2013, 10:04 am
Wow, this list is quite UScentric.I guess Godiva is so sweet because they need to conceal the poor quality of the cacao they use. I can’t even swallow it.
Excellent brands not mentioned: Amedei and Republica del Cacao (Ecuador).
157. Sari September 18, 2013, 2:49 am
I see a lot of people who seem to know their stuff calling out the article… but you know the part that is sad? I know next to nothing about chocolate except the few kinds I’ve tasted (and I love it of course ) … and -I- knew something was vastly wrongwith this list comprising of mostly US based companies (Everyone knows that sadly the majority of us in the US believes that Hershey Milk Chocolate bars is good chocolate -_- ), and the fact that some of these people are making chocolate and I sawat least one said the person ‘flies in’ the chocolate. << Seriously Nat Geo, if someone who has never been out of the country to have REAL European chocolate could tell ya something is wrong with this list, that really says something.
158. Nelya SpainSeptember 29, 2013, 6:35 am
Jacqlin chocolatier.Ghent. It is one of the best chocolatiers in the world. I have tasted the chocolates of almost of the most valued chocolatiers in this website and the chocolates of this place are spectacular,delicious… with a unique favour. It is a smallfamiliar shop situated in the center of Ghent (Belgium). Totally recommended.
159. R Smith Reston, VAOctober 1, 2013, 7:31 pm
Ordered the teuscher chocolate and meh… not that great. I am going to disagree with this list.
160. krishnaveni indiaOctober 11, 2013, 10:09 am
for me,all varieties of dairy milk are the best chocolates in the world which is manufactured by my best company CADBURY.i am an addict of dairy milk(SILK)
161. Tom AOctober 14, 2013, 7:35 am
1/5/14 The 10 Best Chocolatiers in the World – Intelligent Travel
intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2012/12/28/the-10-best-chocolatiers-in-the-world/ 35/39
5 US chocolates under the best 10 in the WORLD? Places 2 to 5 US? That can’t be serious. The testers haven’t been at many places for making their ranking.
162. Barry Dirtbag IowaOctober 15, 2013, 1:06 am
How is Bubba Jones Hand Rolled Lickable Chocolate Lumps of Dirtbag Iowa not on this list? Outrageous!
163. Sung Kwon October 23, 2013, 11:24 pm
Godiva can be successful in business. However it doesn’t belong to gourmet category just like it’s gold box. No quality taste. I don’t taste quality ingredients. Too sweet. No quality ofingredient blending.
164. Chandler McKay EnglandOctober 29, 2013, 2:08 pm
Lindt is good. And Dairy Milk and most of all GALAXY!
165. Sahadeb Patra INDIAOctober 29, 2013, 2:49 pm
I love these chocolete & I love Keya..
166. Arup Roy Chowdhury IndiaNovember 1, 2013, 10:26 am
I don’t see how Royce got left out.
167. Ona
UKNovember 5, 2013, 11:49 am
So would definitely consider Leonidas, but absolutely love Nehaus. Wittamer is lovely too. Can’t speak for American boutique chocolate, but the packaged stuff is garbage. Would rate Haigh’s of Adelaide. If you were going to list something at the levelof Hotel Chocolat, would have thought Montezuma’s better quality. Anyhoo…it’s all subjective.
168. Ona November 5, 2013, 11:51 am
Incidentally, I’m sorry krishnaveni and Chandler McKay, Cadbury is garbage and most certainly does not belong on this kind of list.
1/5/14 The 10 Best Chocolatiers in the World – Intelligent Travel
intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2012/12/28/the-10-best-chocolatiers-in-the-world/ 36/39
169. Tessa
USANovember 14, 2013, 7:42 pm
Being in high school and friends with many foreign exchange students I have to say the Switzerland chocolate is by far the best! Next I’d have to say Belgium then Italian. Honestly, I don’t even like chocolate(:
170. The Good Faery Los Angeles, CANovember 21, 2013, 9:24 pm
I’ve managed several chocolate shops, including a Teuscher, and agree that is an incredible chocolate. In addition to their famous Champagne truffles, I also adored their creme fraiche praline. And that brings to mind Manon, from France. Impossible tofind in the United States, but the home of the most amazing creme fraiche chocolates to be had. Then there is Neuhaus, heaven. But I also live in the land where See’s is queen, and must be content with that regularly, augmented by a Champagne trufflenow and then.
171. WGI NYCNovember 23, 2013, 10:58 pm
This chocolate directory that has a fairly varied selection:http://www.chocolateloverswebguide.com/#!chocolatiers/c1rpj
172. Chocolate Lover November 25, 2013, 3:43 pm
My favorites makers of Chocolate are:
Hershey and Godiva and Mars
173. Marcos lopez
LondonNovember 26, 2013, 5:58 am
The best chocolate is not about beauty or where it was made or which brand is it the best chocolate is about the cuality of cocoa and the best cuality that is used for the best chocolates in the world as people said for beauty or decoration in venezuelan’scocoa
174. Jamoliddin UzbekistanDecember 5, 2013, 9:57 am
I think Godiva Chocolatier is the most delicious one, because of its candy taste. But in Uzbekistan the best chocolate is ‘RoCoco’…
175. Simon Seagram London. EnglandDecember 12, 2013, 8:48 am
1/5/14 The 10 Best Chocolatiers in the World – Intelligent Travel
intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2012/12/28/the-10-best-chocolatiers-in-the-world/ 37/39
Dear Friends,
I think Thorntons brand chocolates from England also a fine and delicious one. I hope you will try it and let me know. Thank you
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