DENVER - ColoradoDesk -- Bibamba Artisan Chocolate has been named Best Chocolatier in Denver in Westword's Best of Denver 2026, one of the city's most recognized annual awards celebrating standout local businesses across food, drink, and culture.

The award recognizes Bibamba's commitment to crafting high-quality, ethically sourced chocolate through its unique farm-to-table model—growing cacao on its family farm in Cameroon and transforming it into finished chocolate in Denver.

"At a time when many large manufacturers are changing ingredients and cutting corners, we're focused on doing the opposite—staying close to the source and honoring the integrity of cacao," said co-founder and CEO Patrick Tcheunou. "This award reinforces that people care about where their chocolate comes from and how it's made."

The recognition comes amid growing national visibility for Bibamba, including its nomination as a 2026 finalist for the Mott Green Sustainability Award by the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), a nonprofit supporting fine chocolate professionals and best practices worldwide. The award honors environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing, and regenerative practices that create measurable, lasting impact across the fine chocolate ecosystem. Winners will be announced at the FCIA Annual Awards ceremony on April 11, 2026.

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Bibamba has also been recognized locally for its commitment to ethical and sustainable food systems, earning the Snail of Approval Award from Slow Food Denver in 2025. In late 2025, the company expanded its Denver chocolate factory to increase production capacity and meet growing demand for hands-on experiences, including its popular chocolate-making classes, a new chocolate tempering class, private sessions, tastings, and behind-the-scenes tours.

"We see real opportunity to inspire change through our partnerships, workshops, and community events—helping people understand cacao sourcing, sustainability, and what defines real chocolate," said Mara Tcheunou, co-owner. "When people see the care and effort that goes into chocolate-making, it transforms how they experience it—and supports a more ethical, sustainable industry."

Bibamba Artisan Chocolate products are available online and at its Edgewater Public Market location, where visitors can enjoy tastings, shop for chocolate gifts, and discover a hands-on look at the journey from cacao to chocolate.

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About Bibamba Artisan Chocolate
A 3x Good Food Award Winner, Bibamba Artisan Chocolate is a family-owned chocolate company producing ethically sourced, farm-to-table chocolate from cacao grown on its farm in Cameroon. With a focus on sustainability, transparency, and quality, Bibamba oversees the entire process from cultivation to finished product, creating chocolate that reflects both its origin and craftsmanship. Learn more and explore their chocolate at https://bibamba.com.