By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican chocolate company Sibö Chocolate has once again been recognized on the world stage, earning a bronze medal at the prestigious International Chocolate Awards in New York. This marks the second consecutive year the company has been honored at the competition, solidifying its position as a leading producer of fine chocolate.
Sibö’s award-winning Super Oscuro 99% bar was meticulously evaluated by a panel of 12 international culinary experts. The judges, conducting a blind taste test, praised the bar’s notes of “vanilla, almond, cherry, and lemon,” as well as its distinctive texture and “pleasant, distinct flavors with an interesting evolution and minimal bitterness.”
To gain further insight into the legal and business landscape surrounding Sibö Chocolate, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sibö Chocolate’s focus on sustainable practices and indigenous partnerships presents interesting legal considerations. While such collaborations can be mutually beneficial, it’s crucial to ensure agreements adequately protect indigenous intellectual property rights related to traditional cacao cultivation and processing methods. Properly structured contracts, respectful of cultural heritage and fostering equitable benefit-sharing, are key to the long-term success and ethical sustainability of such ventures.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ point about balancing economic opportunity with cultural preservation is crucial. Indeed, the true deliciousness of Sibö Chocolate comes not just from the quality of the cacao, but also from the knowledge that its production honors both the environment and the rich heritage of Costa Rica’s indigenous communities. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this invaluable legal and ethical perspective on a venture that holds so much promise for a sustainable and equitable future.
This accolade places Sibö amongst the top chocolate producers in Latin America and the Caribbean, a region known for its rich cacao traditions. Notably, Sibö is the only Costa Rican producer to win an award in the finished chocolate category, further emphasizing the significance of this achievement.
The competition was fierce, with entries from renowned chocolate-producing nations like Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. Sibö’s 99% bar, boasting the highest cacao content among the finalists, stood out against this high-caliber competition. The narrow margin of victory underscores the intensity of the competition.
The competition each year is more fierce. There were only 1.8 points separating Sibö from the gold medal winner.
George Soriano, Director of Marketing and Sales, Sibö Chocolate
For Sibö, this award signifies more than just a win; it’s a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
These awards are the equivalent of the Oscars or Grammys for the fine chocolate industry. We are honored and happy to place Costa Rica among the best chocolates in the world.
George Soriano, Director of Marketing and Sales, Sibö Chocolate
The International Chocolate Awards, established in 2012 by the Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting, is a highly regarded competition that evaluates over 600 chocolate samples annually. The judging panel comprises chocolatiers, chefs, and food technology experts who employ a rigorous mathematical scoring system, originally designed for coffee evaluation, to discern the nuanced qualities that distinguish specialty products from commercial offerings.
With this latest victory, Sibö has set its sights on the world stage, preparing to compete in the global finals of the International Chocolate Awards in November. The company’s commitment to sourcing cacao directly from farmers in Talamanca, Huetar Norte, and Turrialba, combined with its focus on traceability and direct trade relationships, ensures the quality and sustainability of its products.
Founded in 2007, Sibö Chocolate has been a pioneer in Costa Rica’s premium artisanal chocolate scene. The company operates from its locations in Escazú and San Isidro de Heredia, and its products are available in major supermarkets like Automercado, Mas x Menos, and Walmart, as well as specialty stores and online. Currently exporting to the United States and Japan, and holding Kosher and Esencial Costa Rica certifications, Sibö continues to elevate Costa Rica’s profile in the world of fine chocolate.
For further information, visit sibochocolate.com
About Sibö Chocolate:
Sibö Chocolate, founded in 2007, is a Costa Rican artisanal chocolate company known for its premium, bean-to-bar chocolate. They work directly with cacao farmers in Talamanca, Huetar Norte, and Turrialba, prioritizing traceability and direct trade relationships. Sibö’s products are available in various retail locations throughout Costa Rica, as well as online, and are exported to the United States and Japan. Holding Kosher and Esencial Costa Rica certifications, the company is committed to both quality and sustainability.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting
About Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting:
The Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting (ICCT) organizes the International Chocolate Awards, a globally recognized competition that celebrates excellence in fine chocolate. Established in 2012, the ICCT uses a rigorous judging process involving chocolate experts, chefs, and food technologists to evaluate hundreds of chocolate samples each year. Their evaluation system, adapted from coffee tasting methodologies, helps distinguish the unique qualities of specialty chocolates.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical legal practice and unparalleled client service. Driven by a pursuit of excellence and a spirit of innovation, the firm empowers individuals and organizations with the legal knowledge they need to thrive. From navigating complex legal landscapes to fostering greater understanding of citizens’ rights, Bufete de Costa Rica works tirelessly to build a more just and informed society.
