THE MASTERS OF DARK CHOCOLATE BOOM

 

The most prestigious dark chocolate manufacturers, based on gross sales, are generally Mars, Inc., Ferrero, Mondelez, and Nestlé. 

These companies dominate the global chocolate market in terms of revenue. 

While "prestige" can be subjective, these companies are known for their wide distribution and brand recognition, and they also produce premium dark chocolate offerings. 

Here's a more detailed look: 

• Mars, Inc.:

  A massive, privately held company with brands like M&M's, Snickers, and Dove (Galaxy in some markets), Mars is the largest chocolate company globally. They also have a strong focus on sustainability through their "Cocoa for Generations" program. 

  
  

  
  
• Ferrero:

  Known for brands like Ferrero Rocher and Kinder, Ferrero is a leader in premium and innovative chocolates. They are also known for using high-quality ingredients and strong branding. 

  
  

  
  
• Mondelez:

  With brands like Cadbury and Milka, Mondelez is another major player in the chocolate industry. They emphasize sustainable cocoa sourcing through their Cocoa Life program. 

  
  

  
  
• Nestlé:

  A vast multinational company with a wide range of chocolate products, including Kit Kat and various premium offerings. Nestlé is also known for its focus on sustainability. 

While these are the largest companies by sales, there are many other chocolate makers, both large and small, that produce high-quality dark chocolate. Some of these include: 

• Lindt: Known for its premium Lindor truffles and Excellence chocolate bars. 
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• Hershey: A major player in the US market with brands like Hershey's, Reese's, and more.
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• Godiva: A global brand known for its luxurious chocolates, including dark chocolate offerings. 
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• Ghirardelli: Another well-known US brand with a focus on high-quality chocolate. 
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Ultimately, the "most prestigious" dark chocolate brand is a matter of personal preference and what one values in a chocolate bar (e.g., single-origin, high cocoa content, fair trade, etc.). 

Defining the "best" chocolate bar is incredibly subjective, as it depends on individual preferences for sweetness, bitterness, creaminess, flavor notes, and even ethical considerations. However, based on expert reviews, taste tests, and awards from recent years, here are some highly-regarded chocolate bars that consistently receive praise:

Factors to Consider When Choosing:

 * Dark vs. Milk vs. White: This is the most fundamental choice. Dark chocolate offers more intense cocoa flavor and less sweetness, while milk chocolate is creamier and sweeter. White chocolate contains no cocoa solids, only cocoa butter.

 * Cacao Percentage: For dark chocolate, the percentage indicates the amount of cocoa solids. Higher percentages mean more intense, less sweet, and often more bitter chocolate.

 * Single Origin vs. Blend: Single-origin bars highlight the unique flavor profile of cocoa beans from a specific region. Blends combine beans from different regions to achieve a desired flavor balance.

 * Flavor Inclusions: Many bars feature additions like sea salt, nuts, fruit, or unique spices.

 * Ethical Sourcing/Sustainability: Brands committed to fair trade, direct trade, or sustainable practices are increasingly important to many consumers.

 * "Craft" vs. Mass-Produced: Craft chocolate makers often focus on small-batch production, high-quality beans, and meticulous processes, resulting in more nuanced flavors.

Highly-Rated and Award-Winning Chocolate Bars (across various categories):

Based on recent reviews and awards from sources like the International Chocolate Awards and various food publications, here are some examples of chocolate bars that are frequently cited for their excellence:

Dark Chocolate:

 * Tony's Chocolonely 70% Dark Chocolate Bar: Often praised for its creamy texture and ethical sourcing (aiming to end modern slavery in the cocoa industry). It's also frequently noted for its "gemstone cut" design.

 * Ghirardelli Intense Dark 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar: A popular and widely available option known for its rich flavor and decent creaminess.

 * Theo Sea Salt Dark Chocolate (70%): If you enjoy a touch of salt with your dark chocolate, Theo is frequently recommended for its balanced flavor.

 * Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Excellence Bar: Despite the controversies mentioned previously, Lindt's higher percentage dark chocolates are often lauded for their intense, full-bodied cocoa flavor and smooth melt.

 * Qantu 80% Hidden Treasure (Canada): An award-winning craft chocolate made from rare wild cocoa beans from Peru, known for its fudge-like texture and nutty flavor.

 * Dick Taylor Chocolate 65% Tanzania Dark Chocolate: Award-winning and known for notes of cherry, coffee, and lemon, with a focus on direct partnership with cocoa producers.

 * Friis-Holm Chokolade (Denmark) - Various Dark Bars (e.g., O'Payo 68%, Barba 70%, La Dalia 85% and 100%): Consistently win top awards for their quality and nuanced flavors.

 * Vigdis Rosenkilde (Norway) - 70% Quellouno: Another top award winner in plain/origin dark chocolate categories.

Milk Chocolate:

 * Chocolove Milk Chocolate Bar: Often praised for its smooth, rich, and creamy flavor with a good balance of sweetness and cocoa.

 * Ritter Sport Alpine Milk Chocolate Bar: A classic German chocolate known for its smooth, creamy goodness.

 * Hu Simple Milk Chocolate: Known for being made without soy, palm oil, lecithins, or refined sugar.

 * Tony's Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar: Like their dark chocolate, their milk chocolate is also popular and adheres to their ethical sourcing mission.

 * Qantu Chocolate Crème de la Crème Milk Chocolate 45% (Canada): An award-winning milk chocolate option.

Other Noteworthy & Craft Brands:

 * Dandelion Chocolate (USA): Known for their single-origin, bean-to-bar approach and high-quality dark chocolates.

 * Omnom (Iceland): Offers unique and award-winning flavors, often with interesting inclusions.

 * Askinosie Chocolate (USA): Ethically sourced, small-batch, and frequently award-winning for various dark, milk, and specialty bars.

 * Lily's Chocolate Bar: A popular choice for those seeking no added sugar, sweetened with stevia.

Ultimately, the "best" chocolate bar is the one you enjoy the most! It's highly recommended to explore different brands, cocoa percentages, and flavor profiles to discover your personal favorites. Look for brands that prioritize quality ingredients and ethical sourcing for a more satisfying and responsible