Cluizel's Bean-To-Bar Process

Cluizel’s Bean-to-Bar process is a meticulous and artisanal journey that transforms the raw cocoa bean into a refined chocolate experience—one that honors transparency, quality, and craftsmanship at every step. Here’s how it works:

🌱 1. Direct Sourcing from Single Plantations

Cluizel partners directly with select Single Estate Plantations across the globe (e.g., in Madagascar, São Tomé, Guatemala, etc.). These long-standing relationships ensure:

• Ethical, traceable sourcing

• Fair conditions for farmers

• High-quality beans with distinct terroirs (flavor profiles unique to the region and soil)

🫘 2. Fermentation & Drying at Origin

Beans are naturally fermented and sun-dried at the plantation, allowing rich, complex aromas to develop. This essential step is tailored to each plantation's climate and bean variety.

🔍 3. Rigorous Bean Selection

Back at Cluizel’s chocolate workshop in Normandy, France, beans go through strict quality control. Only the best beans make it into production—no shortcuts, no additives.

🔥 4. Expert Roasting

Each batch is roasted slowly and precisely to unlock the full spectrum of flavors unique to each origin. Cluizel adapts the roasting profile for every bean type.

🌀 5. Grinding & Conching

The roasted beans are finely ground into cocoa liquor and conched for hours—sometimes over 24 hours. This step:

• Develops texture (smooth and velvety)

• Balances acidity and bitterness

• Enhances flavor depth and mouthfeel

🧼 6. No Artificial Additives

Cluizel stands out for its "Noble Ingredients" promise—no soy lecithin, no artificial flavors, and no preservatives. Just cocoa, pure cocoa butter, cane sugar, and (in milk chocolate) real milk.

🍫 7. Molding, Enrobing & Finishing

The final chocolate is molded into bars or used to create filled bonbons, truffles, and more. Each piece is hand-inspected for quality.

✅ Result: Bean-to-Bar Excellence

Cluizel chocolate is known for its transparency, purity, and intensity of flavor. It offers a true bean-to-bar experience that preserves the identity of each plantation’s cocoa.