How we select beans - Callebaut

How we select beans

Each cocoa bean is a promise of taste, traceability, and trust. And every step of our selection process is crafted to elevate flavor while strengthening cocoa-farming communities through Cocoa Horizons.
Callebaut Traceable drying cocoa beans

Only well-dried cocoa

Moisture matters. 

Our beans hold just the right balance — between 6% and 8% — to preserve their essence. 

It’s the first step toward unlocking bold, nuanced flavors.

Only Well-Fermented Cocoa

Only Well-Fermented Cocoa

Fermentation is where magic happens. 

We choose beans that have been expertly fermented, allowing deep, rich taste notes to develop naturally.

Only Main Crop Beans

Only Main Crop Beans

Bigger beans. Bigger flavor. 

We select only main crop beans, using a precise bean count to ensure every batch delivers intensity and depth.

callebaut_traceable_cocoa_jutebags

Only Jute Bag Transport

No shortcuts. 

Our beans travel in natural jute bags, breathing and drying gently en route to Belgium. 

Bulk shipping? Never. Because great taste deserves great care.

callebaut_traceable_quality_control_cocoa_beans

Only Clean, Inspected Beans

From origin to Antwerp, every bag is inspected. 

Stones, twigs, and impurities are removed — leaving only pure cocoa, ready to be transformed.

callebaut_traceable_cocoa_communities_farmer

Only from Cocoa Communities We Know

We only source from Cocoa Horizons-approved cooperatives. 

It’s how we ensure quality, and consistency of the cocoa beans. 

callebaut_traceable_cocoa_bean

Meticulously Blended for Signature Taste

Once selected, beans are blended with precision. 

The result? A flavor profile that’s unmistakably Callebaut® — bold and balanced, for consistent taste.

Callebaut Sustainability

Doing good tastes better

Empowering 46,000+ cocoa farmers through Cocoa Horizons.