Sibö Chocolate Wins Medal at International Chocolate Awards for Second Consecutive Year
Date: August 21, 2025
Source: Delfino.cr — Read the original article here
A Second Year of Sweet Triumph for Sibö
For the second year running, Costa Rican chocolatier Sibö Chocolate has earned recognition on the international stage. The brand received a bronze medal in the “dark chocolate bars with over 85% cacao” category at the prestigious International Chocolate Awards, held in New York. Their celebrated bar: the intense Super Dark 99%.
A panel of 12 international judges conducted a blind tasting of nearly 600 entries. They praised the Super Dark 99% bar for its notes of vanilla, almond, cherry, and lemon, as well as its pleasing, evolving texture and minimal bitterness. Notably, this bar contained the highest percentage of cacao among all winners this year.
Narrowly Missing Gold
According to George Soriano, Sibö’s Director of Marketing and Sales, the competition was fierce:
“There were only 1.8 points separating Sibö Chocolate from the gold medal winner.”
“These awards are like the Oscars or the Grammys for the fine chocolate world. We are honored and proud to further our mission of placing Costa Rica among the world’s top chocolates. Now, onto the world stage!”
Strong Costa Rican Representation
Sibö was the only Costa Rican brand recognized in the “finished chocolates” category this year. Other winners included chocolatiers from regional heavyweights such as Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Nicaragua .
The International Chocolate Awards, organized since 2012 by the Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting, assess nearly 600 samples from around the world using a scoring system inspired by coffee evaluation methods. Judges include chocolate experts, chefs, and food technologists .
About Sibö Chocolate
Founded in 2007, Sibö Chocolate is a pioneer in artisan, premium chocolate in Costa Rica. The company operates out of Plaza Itskatzu in Escazú and San Isidro de Heredia, sourcing cacao directly from plantations in Talamanca, Huetar Norte, and Turrialba.
Their chocolates are available domestically at Automercado, Más x Menos, Walmart, and specialty stores like Mercado 83. Sibö also exports to the U.S. and Japan, and sells online via its website. Their products carry both Kosher and Esencial Costa Rica certifications.
Summary
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Award: Bronze medal at the 2025 International Chocolate Awards (dark bar, 85%+ cacao category)
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Winning Product: Super Dark 99%
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Recognition: 12 international judges, nearly 600 samples evaluated
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Competitive Edge: Only 1.8 points from gold
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Unique Distinction: Only Costa Rican finalist in finished chocolates category
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Background: Founded 2007, artisanal production, national retail presence, exports, certified