Regional Champions of the International Chocolate Awards

What is the best chocolate in the world in 2025? The answer is still unfolding. The International Chocolate Awards (ICA), the world’s most prestigious competition for fine, craft, and bean-to-bar chocolate, has crowned its regional winners — from North America to Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and beyond.

Later this year, all Gold medalists will advance to the World Final in October–November, where the ultimate titles of world’s best chocolate 2025 will be decided. But already, the regional competitions are giving us a delicious preview of the very best chocolate from around the world.

The Americas – USA & Canada

Judged remotely in summer and announced online September 9, the Americas – USA & Canada Competition celebrated diversity, creativity, and innovation.

Highlights include:

• Chaleu B Chocolat (Canada) - Tanzania, 79% is the best Candia plain dark chocolate 2025

• Goodnow Farms (USA) – Classic Milk is the best American milk chocolate 2025.

• Kasama Chocolate (Canada) – Strawberry White (91.7), a playful yet world-class berry white bar. The best Canadian white chocolate 2025.

• Goodnow Farms (USA) – Asichivite with Maple is the best American chocolate with alternative ingredients 2025.
• Goodnow Farms (USA) – Caramelized Onions is the best American chocolate with inclusions 2025.

North America proves again that some of the world’s best chocolate is born in a melting pot of cultures and ingredients.

Latin America & the Caribbean – Cacao’s Renaissance

Latin America, the birthplace of cacao, is reclaiming its place at the top.

• Cacao Hunters (Colombia) – Sierra Nevada 64% is the best Latin American plain dark chocolate 2025.

• Argencove (Nicaragua) – 92 is the best Latin American low-sugar dark chocolate 2025.

• Cacao Hunters (Colombia) – Tumaco Leche, 53% is the best Latin American plain milk chocolate 2025.

The best chocolate in the world is no longer just European; it’s flourishing at its source in the tropics.

Peru – Heritage and Bold Innovation

At the 10th Concurso Nacional de Chocolate Peruano, announced July 19 in Lima, Peru once again showed why it’s considered a craft chocolate powerhouse.

• Cacaosuyo - Piura Select is the best Peruvian plain dark chocolate 2025.

Peru proves that the world’s best chocolate can be both deeply traditional and radically creative.

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Announced in Bucharest in May, this region confirmed European mastery while also embracing new directions.

Europe still sets the bar, but it’s clear that vegan and origin-focused chocolate are shaping the future of the best chocolate from around the world.

The United Kingdom – A Vibrant Craft Scene

The British Craft Chocolate Competition, judged in London, celebrated the UK’s rapidly growing bean-to-bar community. Makers focused on traceability and origin integrity, sending a strong group of winners directly to the World Final.

• Duffy's Chocolate (UK) - Nicaragua Amarillo, 72% is the best British plain dark chocolate 2025.
• Duffy's Chocolate (UK) - Honduras Mayan Red, 61% is the best British plain dark chocolate 2025.

The UK may be a small market, but its craft makers are becoming part of the global conversation on the world’s best chocolate.

Asia-Pacific – Diversity and Dynamism

Held in Bangkok in April 2025 as part of the Craft Chocolate Market, the Asia-Pacific Competition highlighted the region’s growing strength in fine chocolate.

The event, streamed live, brought together makers, alumni, and enthusiasts to celebrate traceable origin craft chocolate.

Gold winners showcased both traditional plain/origin bars and adventurous flavors — from tropical fruits to spice-forward infusions. Judges praised the diversity of entries from across the region, showing how Asia-Pacific chocolate is quickly becoming a contender for the best chocolate in the world.

Craft Drinking Chocolate – A New Frontier

2025 also welcomed a brand-new category: the World Craft Drinking Chocolate Competition, held in Bucharest. With more than 150 entries, including cacao infusions and even spirits, this competition showed that the world’s best chocolate isn’t just eaten — it’s also sipped.

What’s Next: The World Final

All Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners now advance to the World Final in October–November 2025. The champions of champions — the true world’s best chocolates — will be crowned there.

A Note on This Ranking

This article highlights the makers and creations we work with directly. For the full official results, visit the International Chocolate Awards website.

Conclusion

From North America’s playful mashups to Latin America’s cacao renaissance, from Peru’s heritage-driven innovation to Asia-Pacific’s dynamic rise, the best chocolate of 2025 already tells a global story.

The World Final will soon decide the ultimate titles, but one truth is clear: the world’s best chocolate in 2025 is more diverse, more daring, and more deliciously international than ever before.