#Japan #International Awards #Shibuya #Minimal Chocolate #Arhuaco Dark

Minimal's Remarkable Achievement at the International Chocolate Awards 2025

In a stunning showcase of culinary excellence, Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate, a specialty chocolate shop based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has been awarded Silver in the Micro-batch – Plain/origin dark chocolate bars category at the prestigious International Chocolate Awards 2025. This achievement not only highlights Minimal's dedication to quality but also emphasizes its unique status as the only Japanese recipient in this category. Additionally, its chocolate 'Arhuaco FINE' secured a Bronze award, marking a significant milestone in the brand's journey.

The Award-Winning Chocolates

Silver Award: 'Arhuaco' (88.8 points): A single-origin dark chocolate crafted from rare cacao beans sourced exclusively from the Arhuaco tribe in Colombia. This chocolate is distinct for its flavor reminiscent of grape jam, showcasing the bean's natural richness.

Bronze Award: 'Arhuaco FINE' (87.1 points): Another exquisite creation from the same cacao source, 'Arhuaco FINE' features a finer grind, enabling a more pronounced experience of the cacao's delicate notes without over-processing. The meticulous conching process lasts approximately 12 hours, ensuring a perfect balance between aroma and flavor.

Craftsmanship Behind Minimal Chocolates

At Minimal, chocolates are made with precision and care, where each cacao bean's aroma and flavor are enhanced through unique roasting and grinding methods. They utilize a temperature-controlled roasting process with a variation of just 1°C and adjust cacao concentration in 1% increments. This meticulous approach results in a chocolate that maintains a delightful crunchy texture, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

The signature chocolate 'Arhuaco' is produced using a specialized machine designed for efficient and high-speed grinding, aiming to preserve the complex aromas and flavors inherent in the beans. The extraction process adheres to low temperatures and brief durations to highlight the intricate acidity and floral notes, reminiscent of grapes. This attention to detail and commitment to crafting the perfect chocolate makes Minimal a standout among chocolate makers.

Discover the Chocolates at Minimal's Retail Locations

Minimal's flagship store in Tomigaya offers a unique tasting experience where customers can sample the award-winning 'Arhuaco' alongside over ten different varieties of single-origin chocolates. Guests can explore different flavors, textures, and profiles under the guidance of passionate staff who deeply appreciate cacao and chocolate.

Store Details

• - Location: 2-1-9 Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0063
• - Access: 6-minute walk from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu Line) and Yoyogi-Koen Station (Tokyo Metro)
• - Hours: 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM (Last orders at 6:30 PM), open daily.

Minimal's Commitment to Sustainability and Quality

The team at Minimal takes pride in sourcing high-quality cacao beans from global regions and fostering strong partnerships with local farmers. They emphasize sustainable practices and fair trade, aiming to improve the livelihoods of cacao producers while producing exceptional chocolate. In 2019, Minimal contributed to an ODA project focused on cacao research in Nicaragua, highlighting their dedication to the cacao industry’s sustainable development.

With ten consecutive years of awards and a total of 103 accolades, Minimal continues to revolutionize the chocolate industry through innovative techniques and a commitment to quality. Their philosophy is based on ‘subtractive’ methods that allow the natural flavors of the cacao to shine, delivering a memorable chocolate experience that invites customers back again and again.

For those eager to indulge in their award-winning creations, Minimal invites you to visit their online store at Minimal's Website or stop by one of their locations.

Visit Minimal's Retail Locations:

• - Tomigaya Flagship Store: As detailed above.
• - Yoyogi Uehara: 1-34-5 Kamiyama-cho, Shibuya
• - Sozigaya Okura: 8-8-24 Kinuta, Setagaya
• - Azabu-dai Hills: 5 Chome-8-1 Toranomon, Minato

For more information, follow Minimal on Instagram or Twitter.