From Exotic Origins to Our London Chocolate Shop: The Journey of a Rococo Cacao Bean

At Rococo Chocolates, we believe that the secret to truly exceptional luxury chocolate lies in the journey it takes – a journey that begins long before it reaches our London kitchen.

It starts in sun-drenched lands, with meticulously cultivated cacao beans, each imbued with the unique character of its origin. We invite you to follow us on a remarkable voyage, tracing the path of two of our most treasured cacao varieties: the aromatic Arriba Nacional and the prized Criollo, from their exotic birthplaces to our very own London chocolate shop.

Our commitment to creating the best handmade chocolate drives us to seek out the world's most extraordinary cacao.

This isn't just about flavour; it's about understanding the provenance, celebrating the dedication of the growers, and ensuring that every stage of the journey honours the bean's intrinsic quality.

The Ecuadorian Treasure: Arriba Nacional from Hacienda Victoria

Our first stop is Ecuador, a land renowned for its biodiversity and the birthplace of the legendary Arriba Nacional cacao.

Here, nestled in a region famed for this aromatic bean, lies Hacienda Victoria. This  estate is dedicated to preserving the genetic purity and exquisite flavour profile of Nacional cacao, known for its complex floral notes and captivating aroma.

The beans harvested at Hacienda Victoria are a testament to the care and expertise of its growers. Once carefully fermented and dried to develop their signature characteristics, these precious Arriba Nacional beans embark on the next leg of their journey. They travel to our sister company, Domori, in Italy, a true master of cacao processing.

Domori's philosophy aligns perfectly with ours; they employ low-impact techniques designed to preserve the delicate, intrinsic aromas of fine cacao, ensuring that the soul of the bean remains vibrant and expressive. This careful handling is crucial for crafting chocolates of artisan quality.

From Domori’s expert hands, these transformed Arriba Nacional beans finally arrive at our Rococo kitchen in London.

Here, our skilled chocolatiers work their magic, coaxing out the nuanced flavours to create some of the most enchanting luxury British chocolate you’ll find.

A Tale of Two Haciendas: The Rare Criollo

Next, we explore the world of Criollo, one of the rarest and most sought-after cacao varieties, cherished by any discerning chocolate lover for its delicate complexity, low bitterness, and rich, nutty undertones. Our Criollo beans come from two exceptional sources, each contributing unique nuances to this fancy chocolate ingredient.

From Venezuela, a country with a legendary cacao heritage, we source Criollo from Hacienda San José. This historic estate has a long-standing reputation for cultivating some of the purest and most flavourful Criollo beans, a true jewel in the world of cacao.

Our pursuit of the finest Criollo also takes us back to Ecuador, to Hacienda San Cristóbal, a joint venture between Domori and local cocoa growers. Here, amidst a different terroir, the Criollo beans develop their own distinct personality, adding another layer of complexity to our chocolate creations.

Just like our Arriba Nacional, these precious Criollo beans from both Hacienda San José and Hacienda San Cristóbal are entrusted to the artisans at Domori.

Their sensitive processing ensures that the subtle, sophisticated notes of the Criollo are not just preserved but enhanced, ready to become the heart of our most exquisite posh chocolate bars and truffles.

Once processed, they make their way to us, ready to be transformed into handcrafted chocolate that speaks of its distinguished origins.

Why This Journey Matters: The Rococo Difference

This meticulous journey – from specific, high-quality haciendas in Ecuador and Venezuela, through the expert hands of Domori, to our creative kitchen – is fundamental to the Rococo experience.

It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, traceability, and the art of chocolate making. 

When you indulge in a piece of Rococo chocolate, you're not just tasting a sweet treat; you're experiencing a story of passion, dedication, and the remarkable journey of the cacao bean.

This dedication is what allows us, as a chocolatier London based, to offer chocolate in London that truly stands apart. It’s about more than being a nice chocolate shop. It's about delivering the best chocolates in London, whether you visit us or choose to buy chocolate online from us, you know you are getting something truly special.

We invite you to savour the difference.

Explore our collections, taste the distinct personalities of chocolates crafted from these exceptional beans, and appreciate the incredible voyage that brought them to you.

Every bite is an invitation to travel, to discover, and to delight in the magic of fine cacao.