Michigan Chocolate Makers Festival
The Michigan Chocolate Festival, held on September 22, 2024, in Grand Rapids, was a delightful addition to ArtPrize, combining music, art, and craft chocolate. Festival founder AJ Paschka said, "The concert could only be titled one thing: Bittersweet Symphony," as the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra performed original music inspired by chocolate flavors, adding an auditory dimension to the event.
Chocolatiers like Atucún presented tree-to-bar and bean-to-bar chocolates, emphasizing the dedication to sustainable production. Miguel Efren Elvir Maradíaga of Atucún pointed out, "I am not Willy Wonka… it's a lot of hard work," to underscore the labor-intensive process of crafting high-quality chocolates.
Connor Tierney of Chocolate Thunder described the experience of tasting premium chocolate, saying, "Their eyes get wide, and they might let out a 'whoa!' Chocolate is like wine or coffee." His remarks highlighted the unique profiles that chocolate, like other fine foods, can have, especially when sourced from a single origin.
The festival provided attendees with a chance to taste a wide variety of chocolates, each reflecting the distinctive characteristics of its origin. It was an educational experience for many, showcasing the complexities of small-batch chocolate. Local artisans engaged directly with the public, sharing insights into their methods and ingredients.
The event celebrated both the craftsmanship of Michigan's chocolate makers and their dedication to sustainability. As Paschka put it, "We wanted to put something together that was different from anything else." It was clear that this unique intersection of art, music, and chocolate created an unforgettable sensory journey for everyone who attended.
Thank you to all of the craft chocolate makers, partners, and attendees to this ground breaking event that allowed us to showcase cacao and chocolate as an art form.
Upcoming Price Adjustments
Due to the last year's increase in the cost of cacao, Atucún will adjust our prices to support better the producers, and makers that create the great product. We will provide everyone a few notices that the prices will be adjusting. If you would like to order at the current prices we suggest you do so! We love and appreciate all of you that have made Atucún an international brand that equals quality, fairness, and transparency.
