The world’s largest annual chocolate festival returns with great fanfare! For its 30th edition, Eurochocolate will once again embrace Perugia’s historic center and main squares, right in the heart of Umbria, following its traditional format.
Over 13,000 Visitors in 2023
Each year, Eurochocolate draws an ever-growing audience, thanks to its exciting new features and the passion that is renewed with each edition. This year, the return to its original format and the special atmosphere of the 30th anniversary will make the event even more memorable. Founded in 1994, Eurochocolate has typically taken place in Perugia’s historic center, except for the last three editions (2021-2023), and this year it returns to its iconic location.
Perugia’s historic center, adorned with fascinating Etruscan, Roman, and medieval elements, offers a unique setting for an event celebrating chocolate and the art of confectionery. Perugia is a true architectural gem, appreciated by visitors from all over the world.
Eurochocolate benefits from the support of major names in the chocolate industry as well as the institutional backing of Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Policies. The event is also sponsored by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), the London-based global organization that represents cocoa producers, processors, and consumers. With these prestigious endorsements, how can you miss it?
Celebrate Your Birthday at Eurochocolate
A sweet surprise awaits anyone celebrating a birthday during the event! From November 15 to 24, those with birthdays will be invited on stage to blow out the candles, receive exclusive chocolate-themed gifts, and capture the moment with special commemorative photos.
“Sulla bocca di tutti”
This year’s slogan, “Sulla bocca di tutti” (“On Everyone’s Lips”), perfectly captures the essence of the event, replacing last year’s scientific slogan, “E=mc2” (Eurochocolate = much chocolate), which playfully referenced Einstein’s famous formula to leave a lasting impression.
Key Figures at Eurochocolate 2024:
- Eugenio Guarducci, President of Eurochocolate
- Michele Fioroni, Regional Economic Development Councillor
- Vittoria Ferdinandi, Mayor of Perugia
- Andrea Stafisso, Economic Development Councillor for the Municipality of Perugia
- Flavia Ruffinelli, Executive Manager of Eurochocolate
- Julien Simonis, Programme Manager of Cacao of Excellence
- Andrea Mecozzi, Cacao Sourcer and Senior Consultant at Chocofair
Chocolate Stands from 33 Countries Worldwide
Perugia will transform into an international chocolate capital, hosting 33 producers from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. New this year is the participation of the ancient chocolate producers from the African island of São Tomé.
A special spotlight is also on Venezuela, with the participation of Douglas Dager, founder of Cacao Caracas, one of the few plantations that cultivate rare, ancestral white cacao—a naturally sweet variety with unique aromas, cultivated for 5,000 years by pre-Colombian peoples along the Caribbean coast.
Some featured chocolate producers include:
- Philippines: Auro, Theo & Philo
- Brazil: Baiani, Luisa Abram
- Colombia: Disidente, Color Cacao, Tibitò
- Ivory Coast: CHOCOPLUS
- Ecuador: Kunà, Palo Santo
- El Salvador: Bel Cacao
- Hawaii (USA): Manoa
- India: Soklet
- Indonesia: Krakakoa
- Jamaica: Pure Chocolate
- Madagascar: Menakao, Robert
- Nicaragua: Momotombo, Argencove
- Peru: Quma, Kuyay
- Dominican Republic: Heritage, Definite
- São Tomé: CECAB
- Thailand: Siamaya Chocolate
- Togo: Chocotogo
- Uganda: Latitude
- Venezuela: Nattivo, Cacao de Origen
- Vietnam: Marou, Alluvia
How to Reach Eurochocolate
By Air: The Umbria International Airport (Sant’Egidio) is just 12 km from Perugia, offering national and international connections. Regular shuttle and taxi services are available to reach the city center.
By Train:
- From the North: Take the Florence-Perugia-Foligno line (direct) or, with a transfer, the Florence-Rome line via Terontola.
- From the South: Take the Rome-Ancona line, with direct connections or with a transfer in Foligno.
For more information, visit Trenitalia’s website or call the Trenitalia call center at 892021.