Previous Editions

The first edition of Chocolat Portugal, held at the WOW cultural district from October 20 to 23, 2022, marked the debut of the International Chocolate and Cocoa Festival in Europe, attracting prominent figures and brands from the industry. The event featured important personalities such as Adalberto Luís, President of the CEQAQ-11 Cooperative from São Tomé and Príncipe; Chantal Coady, President of the Academy of Chocolate Awards in the UK; and Spencer Hyman, founder of Cocoa Runners. Additionally, the festival brought together experts like María Jiménez (Netherlands), Clay Gordon (USA), César de Mendes (Brazil), Helen López (Spain), and Julia Zotter (Austria), among others.

During this inaugural edition, the Chocolat Portugal Festival showcased some of the most renowned chocolate brands and cocoa-derived products, including Arcádia, Casa Grande, Feitoria do Cacau, Taylor’s, Vinte Vinte, Kankel, Dolfin, and Callebaut, among others. The festival also offered a rich program, featuring performances on the Cacao Stage, lectures at the Cacao Forum, activities for children in the Kids Kitchen, and workshops led by the Vinte Vinte Academy.

Following the success of the first edition, which attracted over 50,000 visitors, the Chocolat Portugal Festival returned to WOW in Vila Nova de Gaia from October 19 to 22, 2023, consolidating Portugal as the European capital of origin chocolate. This year, the festival expanded its program even further, with 15 showcookings, 11 workshops, and 10 panels at the International Chocolate and Cocoa Forum, led by experts from countries including Portugal, Brazil, France, Belgium, Denmark, the UK, Venezuela, and Costa Rica.

The 2023 edition introduced innovations such as live streaming of all lectures and showcookings, enhancing the event’s international reach. Furthermore, the festival continued to highlight the importance of the “golden fruit” and origin chocolate, promoting brands from around the world like Amuzi Distillery, Be Glad, Feitoria do Cacau, Vinte Vinte, Abelha Cacau, Baianí Chocolates, Chocolarder, and Tosier, among many others. With a wide variety of attractions, from live chocolate sculptures to discussions on terroir and pairings with wine and coffee, the 2023 Chocolat Festival reaffirmed its status as a must-attend event for chocolate lovers and industry professionals.