Chocolat Bahia Festival Returns to Ilhéus for 17th Edition, Celebrating Chocolate's Rise

The Chocolat Bahia festival is set to return to Ilhéus, Brazil, from July 23-26 for its 17th local edition, marking its consolidation as the largest event of its kind in Latin America. The festival will feature a diverse and free program at the Convention Center, bringing together master chocolatiers, manufacturers, specialists, producers, and family farmers. Approximately 180 exhibitors from various regions of Bahia and over 80 national and international brands will participate in the Chocolate Fair. Attendees can expect to find fine and award-winning chocolates, as well as derivatives like pulp, honey, butter, jam, nibs, and cocoa powder for tasting and purchase.

Key attractions include the Cozinha Show, featuring renowned chefs and chocolatiers such as Dani Façanha, Carlos Ribeiro, Déia Lopes, and Franklin Maia, who will prepare dishes highlighting the cuisine of the Cocoa Coast. The Cozinha Kids will offer fun culinary classes for children led by Chef Karla Leal, and the Atelier do Chocolate will provide an immersive experience. A special tribute will be paid to singer Carmen Miranda with a sculpture made from over 120 kg of chocolate, created by chef Léo Vilela.

The event's technical program includes the Cacau Summit, discussing "The Future of the Cocoa Chain: Innovation, Sustainability, and Market," and ChocoDay, focusing on "Brazilian Chocolate That Conquers the World." The festival also aims to boost business through B2B meetings and networking. Organizers anticipate a record attendance of over 90,000 visitors, generating more than R$25 million in revenue, with significant economic impact on tourism and both B2C and B2B sales. Since its inception in 2009, the Chocolat Festival has expanded to nearly 50 editions across Brazil and Europe, with Ilhéus hosting 17, solidifying its role as the birthplace of national cocoa cultivation and a hub for fine chocolate production.