Colombia chocolate

40 Colombia chocolates from 5 independent UK chocolatiers, from £2.65.

Colombia is a rising star of fine cacao, helped by peace bringing former conflict zones back into cultivation. Grown across Santander, Huila, Tumaco and the Sierra Nevada, much of it is native Criollo and Trinitario — the aromatic “fine flavour” beans prized by bean-to-bar makers. Colombian chocolate is typically bright and fruity, with red-fruit, citrus and honeyed notes over a smooth base. Tightly-traced, farmer-focused supply chains make it a favourite for makers who want a clear provenance story. For UK buyers, a single-origin Colombian bar is a great introduction to fruit-forward craft chocolate — vibrant and floral rather than heavy — and a way to support cacao replacing coca in recovering regions.