Minimal's Arhuaco Wins Grand Prize at 2025 International Chocolate Awards
Minimal's Arhuaco Wins at International Chocolate Awards 2025
In a remarkable achievement for Japan's specialty chocolate scene, Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate - has made headlines by securing the overall grand prize at the 2025 International Chocolate Awards for its Arhuaco chocolate bar. The Tokyo-based company, led by Takashi Yamashita, triumphed in the Micro-batch – Plain/origin dark chocolate bars category, cementing its reputation as a key player in the global chocolate industry.
The Acclaimed 'Arhuaco'
The Arhuaco bar, crafted exclusively from rare cacao beans cultivated by Colombia's indigenous Arhuaco community, is celebrated for its nuanced flavors reminiscent of grape jam. This single-origin chocolate not only won the coveted Gold award but also received recognition as the Best in competition, triumphing in various categories, including Gold for Rough Ground and Direct Traded.
Furthermore, the highly anticipated new release, 'Arhuaco FINE, is set to debut in June 2025 and has already garnered a Bronze award at this prestigious competition.
Unique Production Methods
Minimal employs a meticulous approach to chocolate-making, focusing on heightening the inherent flavors of cacao. Using a specialized roasting technique that adjusts temperature in increments of 1 degree Celsius, combined with fine-tuning cacao concentration by 1%, the chocolatiers are able to achieve a desired crunchy texture in their bars. This attention to detail allows the complex acidity and floral notes of the cacao to shine through.
For the Arhuaco variety, Minimal’s unique grinding method stands out. They utilize high-precision machinery to quickly grind the cacao while preserving its intricate aroma profiles. Taking roasting to another level, their extreme light roasting method finalizes the chocolate's flavor, capturing the distinct grape-like acidity and floral notes of the beans.
Product Details
- - Price: 1,880 JPY (including tax)
- - Availability: Online store, Tomigaya main store, Azabudai Hills store
- - Product page
Arhuaco can also be sampled in the 7DAYS CHOCOLATE assortment pack, featuring a series of 7 different chocolate bars for 3,640 JPY (including tax).
Experience Chocolate at Minimal
At Minimal’s Tomigaya main store, chocolate enthusiasts can indulge in tastings. With over ten varieties of chocolate available for comparisons—each showcasing different flavor profiles from different origins—visitors are encouraged to explore and find their favorite flavors. The knowledgeable staff is ready to guide through the delicious journey of cacao appreciation. This is an excellent activity for those interested in gifting this exceptional chocolate on Mother’s Day or as a unique souvenir from Tokyo.
Shop Information:
- - Minimal Tomigaya Main Store
Access: 6 minutes on foot from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu Line) or Yoyogi-Koen Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
Hours: 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM (last order 6:30 PM)
Closed: No regular holidays
About Minimal
Minimal prides itself on sourcing the best cacao beans globally and crafting each chocolate bar by hand with uncompromising dedication. Their philosophy, “simple yet thorough,” ensures that every piece maximizes the flavor potential of its ingredients. Over the years, their artisans have honed their skills in esteemed restaurants and patisseries, collectively pushing the boundaries of chocolate craft.
The team at Minimal is actively involved in research on fermentation and drying processes in cacao production, collaborating with farmers for improved flavor profiles. Their commitment to sustainable practices not only enhances the quality of their chocolate but also promotes the economic empowerment of cacao-producing communities. In 2019, as part of JICA’s ODA research project, they conducted cacao research in Nicaragua.
With their unique subtractive philosophy and innovative production methods, Minimal has earned an impressive 101 awards over 10 consecutive years in international competitions. Their dedication to both tradition and innovation means they deliver chocolate that adds color to everyday life and leaves a lasting impression. Discover the unforgettable taste experience that is Minimal chocolate.
Store Information
In addition to chocolate bars, Minimal offers a café space where visitors can enjoy coffee, chocolate pairings, and delightful parfaits.
- - Minimal The Baking, Yoyogi Uehara
Access: 2 minutes walk from Yoyogi-Uehara Station
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- - Patisserie Minimal, Soshigaya-Okura
Access: 3 minutes walk from Soshigaya-Okura Station (Odakyu line)
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- - Minimal Specialty, Azabudai Hills
Access: Directly linked to Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line)
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Company Overview
- - Name: βace Co., Ltd.
- - CEO: Takashi Yamashita
- - Location: 2-1-9 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0063
- - Employees: 40, including part-time staff
- - Business: Manufacturing and sales of chocolate products, operations of Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate.
Discover more about Minimal and their chocolate offerings through their official website and follow their journey on social media channels like Instagram and Facebook.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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