Chocolate field glossary

Single-origin

Chocolate presented as coming from one defined geography, whose scale may range from country to farm.

Origin & trade · working definition

Use the word
with precision.

Why it matters: A stated geographic boundary can support comparison, traceability questions and a more precise account of sourcing.
Common confusion: The term has no universal consumer scale and does not automatically establish flavor, quality, farmer income or ethical outcomes.
Practical example: Single-origin may mean one country, region, cooperative, estate or farm; the useful claim states which.

Evidence trail

Genotyping study that identified ten differentiated cacao clusters and displaced the old two-group model.

Standardized protocols, glossary and sensory framework developed with experts from producing countries.