Rockland’s Bixby Chocolate wins 4 medals at esteemed competition

Maine’s First Bean‑to‑Bar Chocolatier Wins Four Medals at International Chocolate Awards

Rockland, Maine — Bixby Chocolate, the state’s pioneering bean‑to‑bar chocolatier, has earned four medals in the United States Bean‑to‑Bar and Craft Chocolatier competition of the International Chocolate Awards, the world’s largest chocolate competition. The awards, announced by the International Chocolate Awards (ICA) as winners advance to the World Final, were set to be revealed on November 7.

Bixby’s haul includes three silver medals for its Organic Bourbon 70 % Dark Chocolate Bar, Organic Crème Brûlée Bar, and Bourbon Bonbon with Bourbon Barrel Heirloom Salt, as well as a bronze for the Organic Dominican Republic 70 % Dark Chocolate Bar. The company’s founder and CEO, Kate McAleer, said the recognition was “especially meaningful to have both our origin chocolate and some of our more creative Maine‑made confections recognized alongside leading craft chocolate makers from across the country.”

Founded in 2011, Bixby Chocolate is the first bean‑to‑bar operation in Maine. The company has built a reputation for using responsibly sourced cacao and local ingredients in its confections. In addition to the recent ICA medals, Bixby has earned other accolades, including a Good Food Award this summer for its Organic Belize 70 % Dark Chocolate Bar.

“The judges’ appreciation of our products underscores the quality and creativity of Maine‑made chocolate,” McAleer added. “It’s an honor to be in the company of other leading craft chocolate makers in the U.S. and around the world.”

The ICA’s U.S. competition is a qualifier for the World Final, where top entries from all participating countries compete for the highest honors. Judging for this year’s contest is underway, with winners announced on November 7. Bixby’s four medals place the Rockland‑based company among the leading American chocolatiers heading into the final stage of the competition.