The 2026 Fine Chocolate Industry Association Awards

The 2026 FCIA Awards ceremony is now available on YouTube, allowing the community to experience the celebration’s "magic" and "energy" remotely. The video features full acceptance speeches from this year’s honorees, offering an intimate look at the passion and perseverance behind their success. Viewers can gain industry inspiration and a sense of camaraderie by watching these visionaries share their stories. Subscribing to the channel provides ongoing access to global updates and fine chocolate insights.

FCIA Leadership Insights and Our Spring Event Lineup

The FCIA is celebrating increased industry visibility following President Sander Wolf’s recent interview with Pastry Arts Magazine. This feature highlights the association’s growth and its role as a leading voice for fine chocolate. To support this momentum, the FCIA has announced a robust spring event lineup: May 7: History of women in chocolate. May 20: Membership Q&A and member networking. June 11: Sustainable packaging webinar. Join these sessions to connect, learn, and support the craft.

New Festivals on the Horizon

The FCIA is celebrating the expansion of the craft chocolate community with two major member-led festivals: Los Angeles Chocolate Festival (Nov 7-8, 2026): Organized by Brian Cisneros at Magic Box @ The Reef, bringing the Northwest Chocolate Festival's legacy to SoCal. Jacksonville Chocolate and Coffee Festival: Launched by John and Lindsay Hill in Florida to celebrate artisanal excellence. FCIA is currently securing exclusive exhibitor and attendee discounts for members at both events.

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) is ushering in a new era with the debut of Winter FancyFaire, replacing the long-standing Winter Fancy Food Show.

The global chocolate industry faces significant challenges due to climate-induced cocoa shortages.

CocoTerra, based in Palo Alto, CA, has developed the world’s first tabletop chocolate maker, capable of turning roasted cacao nibs into chocolate in just two hours. Founded by Nate Saal and Karen Alter, the company aims to empower consumers and artisans with technology that simplifies the chocolate-making process. As proud FCIA members, they emphasize collaboration and education to improve quality throughout the chocolate supply chain while honoring the industry’s rich history.