Minimal's New Chocolate Selection: A Unique Taste Experience from 8 Cocoa Origins

Experience the Rich Diversity of Cocoa with Minimal's Newest Chocolates

Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate - is thrilled to announce the release of an updated line of its acclaimed bonbon chocolates, "The Single Origin," set to launch on January 17, 2026. After the overwhelming success of its initial offering in 2025, this new collection showcases a revised selection of eight unique cocoa origins, inviting chocolate lovers to embark on an extraordinary tasting journey that emphasizes the distinctive flavors each region yields.

With a philosophy that champions high-quality chocolate, Minimal has meticulously sourced cocoa beans from over 30 countries since its inception. For this latest collection, the brand has handpicked cocoa from eight countries renowned for their distinctive flavor profiles: Ghana, Haiti, Malaysia, Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, India, and Colombia. Each country's cocoa beans have been carefully roasted and processed according to original recipes, ensuring an authentic expression of their individual characteristics. The result? A range of chocolates that exemplify a rich tapestry of flavors—from fruity notes reminiscent of blueberries and apples to the herbal nuances of spices and botanicals.

This year’s collection does not include any alcohol, broadening the appeal and making it accessible for a wide audience. This means that more people can indulge in the unique taste experiences offered by these bonbons, making them a perfect gift for Valentine's Day or any occasion.

Detailed Profiles of the Eight Cocoa Origins

1. Ghana: Offers a classic chocolate taste with a solid body and lingering sweet spice.
2. Haiti (Milk): Features gentle sweetness akin to café au lait, with roasted nut and toasty flavors.
3. Malaysia (Blonde): Evokes flavors similar to caramel and butterscotch from simmered milk.
4. Indonesia: Delivers nutty notes reminiscent of cashew, blended with gentle sweetness and deep, rich acidity similar to dates.
5. Madagascar: Presents a sharp, vibrant acidity inspired by red berries.
6. Peru: Rich with tastes of dark fruits like blueberries, complemented by a honey-sweet finish.
7. India: Offers refreshing citrus notes and early, floral hints suggestive of young oranges.
8. Colombia (Aruaco): Contains a fruity essence akin to grape jam with a refreshing yogurt-like creaminess.

Tasting Workshop Announcement

To celebrate the launch of "The Single Origin," Minimal's founder and cocoa buyer, Takashi Yamashita, will conduct a tasting workshop. After a successful event last year, this limited workshop is designed for the Valentine's season, allowing participants to engage in a guided tasting of each bonbon. Participants can dive deeper into the profiles, flavors, and the intriguing development stories behind these exceptional chocolates.

- Registration URL: Tasting Workshop Registration
- Date: February 7, 2026
- Time Slots: 10:00 - 11:30 / 13:00 - 14:30 / 15:30 - 17:00
- Location: Minimal Workshop Headquarters, Setagaya, Tokyo
- Cost: ¥3,000 per person (including tax). Payment will be accepted in cash or via PayPay on the day of the event.

About Minimal

With a commitment to excellence, Minimal's craftsmen personally select cocoa beans worldwide, focusing on high-quality chocolate production. By fostering relationships with cocoa farmers, Minimal conducts research and education on fermentation and drying processes, ensuring sustainable practices and ethical trading. Over the past ten years, Minimal has garnered over 100 awards at international competitions, proving the dedication to its motto: to create chocolates that are not only delicious but also resonate in the hearts of its consumers as unforgettable treats.