The Bean to Bar Journey — The Federation Chocolate Way

🌳 From the Trees

Our journey begins high in the lush rainforests of Peru, where cacao trees thrive under the canopy. These trees, nurtured by nature, produce the prized cacao pods that are the soul of our chocolate. Within each pod lies a treasure trove of cacao beans—raw, vibrant, and bursting with potential.

👩🌾 By the People

These beans are hand-harvested by skilled local farmers using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Every harvest is a moment of pride, with farmers selecting only the ripest pods. Our relationships with these communities ensure that their work is respected, and their land is protected.

🚢 Transported from Peru to Australia

Once harvested, the beans are fermented and sun-dried on the farms. They’re then carefully packed and shipped across the ocean to our chocolate factory in Richmond, Tasmania. This journey ensures the beans arrive in peak condition, ready for transformation.

🧺 In the Sacks to the Sorting

At Federation Chocolate, the sacks are opened with excitement. We inspect and hand-sort every bean—removing any that don’t meet our high standards. This step is all about quality. Only the best beans are worthy of becoming Federation Chocolate.

🔥 Then the Roasting

Next, the selected beans are roasted to unlock their flavor potential. Each origin is roasted differently to enhance its unique characteristics—some fruity, some nutty, some earthy. The rich aromas begin to fill the air. This is where chocolate’s magic begins.

⚙️ Then the Cracking and Winnowing

The roasted beans are cracked open and winnowed, separating the precious cacao nibs from the husk. These nibs are pure chocolate essence—the heart of the flavor. It's the nibs that continue the journey; the rest is left behind.

🌀 Then the Grinding and the Conching

The nibs are slowly ground into a silky, rich paste known as chocolate liquor. We then conch this liquor for hours to refine the texture and enhance the flavor. It’s during this time that the chocolate becomes smooth, luscious, and irresistibly aromatic.

❄️ Then We Temper

The final step is tempering—carefully heating and cooling the chocolate to ensure a glossy finish, a crisp snap, and perfect mouthfeel. Once tempered, the chocolate is poured into molds and allowed to set. From bean to bar, every step is done with intention and care.

🍷 Experience the Journey

We invite you to visit our Richmond factory to witness the chocolate-making process firsthand. Join our immersive tours, indulge in chocolate and wine pairings, and discover the artistry behind every bar. Book your experience today and become part of the Federation Chocolate story.