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# February 2025 News & AMA | #PodSaveChocolate Ep98
- URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/february-2025-news-ama-podsavechocolate-ep98/
- Published: 2025-02-06T21:42:47.000Z
- Updated: 2025-02-11T13:07:52.000Z
- Description: Episode 98 of #PodSaveChocolate features the chocolate news that’s fit to eat and AMA/Ask me Anything (about chocolate and cocoa) for February 2025.
- Author: Clay Gordon
- Tags: PodSaveChocolate, Live Stream

**When and Where to Watch**

🗓️

The stream airs at 11:00 ****MST** (10:00 PST, 12:00 CST, 13:00 EST), on Friday, February 7th, 2025.  
  
Links below to watch – or to view the archived episode

Click on this (shareable) link to watch on YouTube. Please subscribe (free!) to the [@PodSaveChocolate YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@podsavechocolate/featured?ref=thechocolatelife.com), like this video, comment, and ****share** this episode to help grow the #PSC community.

[Clay Gordon on LinkedIn: #podsavechocolate #lavidacocoa #thechocolatelife #cacao #cocoa #cacau…Episode 98 Overview This episode of #PodSaveChocolate features the chocolate news that’s fit to eat and AMA/Ask me Anything (about chocolate and cocoa) for…![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/al2o9zrvru7aqj8e1x2rzsrca-5)LinkedInClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/c45fy346jw096z9pbphyyhdz7-5)](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fpodsavechocolate-lavidacocoa-thechocolatelife-activity-7293381955859976192-zO7K?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAABaLUB44l0lzyoZ9nf9Lg8nfstgzLqxbg)

This ****LINKEDIN** link is shareable.

[February 2025 News & AMA | #PodSaveChocolate Ep98Other event by TheChocolateLife on Friday, February 7 2025![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/aGT3gskzWBf-5.ico)#PodSaveChocolate Ep98![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/media-5)](https://fb.me/e/4gXpQHbUL?ref=thechocolatelife.com)

This ****FACEBOOK** link is also shareable.

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## **Episode 98 Overview**

This episode of #PodSaveChocolate is the February 2025 News & AMA episode. 

Topics to be covered include:

**1️⃣ The Continuing Saga of the High Cost of Cocoa**

| **MARKETS**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Futures](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC%2A0/futures-prices?ref=thechocolatelife.com) / [Historical Prices](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CCZ24/historical-prices?orderBy=contractExpirationDate&orderDir=desc&ref=thechocolatelife.com) / [Moving Average](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC%2A0/futures-prices?viewName=movingAverages&ref=thechocolatelife.com) – Barchart.com |
| [Graph](https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/cocoa?ref=thechocolatelife.com) – Trading Economics                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |

The potential impact of the current US Administration’s trade war by tariffs policies on chocolate makers is yet to be known – but uncertainty is rarely welcomed, other than by speculators.

**2️⃣ Upcycling – Cacao Pod Flour, Cacao Pulp Sweeteners**

[WO2020038905A1 - Process to extract components of cacao pod husks and to utilize cacao fruit soluble extract obtained thereof and its applications - Google PatentsThe present invention relates to a method for optimizing the full utilization of cacao pod husks comprising the steps of debacterizing the pod surface and opening cacao the pods, separating the cacao pod husks from, cacao pulp, cacao placenta,cacao beans and cacao bean hulls, and drying separated cacao pod husks wherein separated and dried cacao pod husks are further processed by a method comprising the steps of a) grinding the cacao pod husks;b) optional acid extraction; c) a first enzymatic treatment; d) alkaline solubilization; e) a first decantation with centrifuge; f) ultrafiltration; g) acid extraction; h) a second decantation with centrifuge; i) a second enzymatic treatment; j) ultrafiltration and extract purification; k) concentration of the extract; l) drying of the concentrated extract. The invention also relates to extracts and compositions obtained thereof and their applications.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-4.ico)Google PatentsArrigoni![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/imgf000034_0001.png)](https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2020038905A1/en?ref=thechocolatelife.com)

A Callebaut patent application for cacao husk extracts.

[WO2020115248A1 - Cacao pulp derived powder, method for obtaining thereof and its applications - Google PatentsThe current invention relates to a free-flowing cacao pulp powder obtainable from cacao pulp material, wherein said cacao pulp material is fresh cacao pulp, cacao pulp juice, cacao pulp concentrate or any mixture thereof,characterized by a moisture content less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 5 wt%, most preferably less than 3 wt%.The invention relates to a cacao pulp juice, obtainable from fresh cacao pulp substantially devoid from cacao pod husks and cacao beans, characterized by a Brix value of 10-35\. The invention relates to a method for producing cacao pulp juice, from fresh cacao pulp substantially devoid from cacao pod husks and cacao beans. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for obtaining a free- flowing cacao pulp derived powder from cacao pulp material.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-2.ico)Google Patents![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/imgf000010_0001.png)](https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2020115248A1/en?ref=thechocolatelife.com)

A Callebaut patent application for cacao pulp sweeteners.

[US10701951B2 - Process of producing cocoa shell powder - Google PatentsA process for producing powdered cocoa shells as a food ingredient, as replacer for cocoa powder, to impart coloration in food products, and as fat bloom inhibitor in cocoa-based products.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-3.ico)Google PatentsGutiérrez![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/US10701951-20200707-D00000.png)](https://patents.google.com/patent/US10701951B2/?ref=thechocolatelife.com)

A Callebaut patent application for cacao shell powder.

**3️⃣ A Beast of a Duo – Mr Tony’s?**

> Tony’s growth in the United States (+86% YoY) is partly down to its partnership announced last year with Feastables, the confectionery brand founded by Jimmy Donaldson (popularly known as YouTube influencer ‘MrBeast’), who is now a mission ally in Tony’s Open Chain, an initiative aimed at transforming cocoa supply chains.  
>  
> €50m (+33% YoY) Growth in Net Revenue for Tony’s Chocolonely, taking the business to €200m ($206.6m) of total Net Revenue. Strong revenue growth from multiple regions, US sales exceeded $50m of net revenue, and Europe growth at +21%. YoY.   
>  
> Maintaining a positive EBITDA position (€1.2m) despite substantial scaling investments and challenges of rapidly escalating cocoa prices. 

[2024 Global Top 100 Candy Companies | Candy Industry | Snack Food & Wholesale BakerySnack Food & Wholesale Bakery is your best source of production, technology and product news, ideas and solutions for a changing industry.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-152-2.png)Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/GlobalTop100_2022-1.png)](https://www.snackandbakery.com/candy-industry/2024/global-top-100-candy-companies?ref=thechocolatelife.com)

And yet, Tony’s was not in the 2024 Top 100\. **Why not? Also not on this list is J&J Snack Foods (> $300M in sales), which makes me wonder what the criteria for inclusion are. I sent an email off to the editor asking.*

**4️⃣ Festival Updates**

[Salon Du Chocolat NYC | March 21-23, 2025Experience the world of chocolate at Salon du Chocolat NYC, New York’s premier chocolate and pastry event. Discover artisanal chocolates, gourmet pastries, and unique culinary creations from top chocolatiers and pastry chefs. Enjoy workshops, tastings, and exclusive demos that showcase the artistry behind every bite. Perfect for chocolate lovers and industry professionals alike. Visit our website to learn more and secure your tickets today!![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/pfavico-4.ico)Salon Du Chocolat NY![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/4bfdc3_3b5d8646a0b144179ad5990469ee4624-mv2-1.png)](https://salonduchocolatny.com/?ref=thechocolatelife.com)

[BOGO general admission tix](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salon-du-chocolat-nyc-2025-tickets-976585663007?aff=ECBOGO&ref=thechocolatelife.com) offer – through February 14 (Eventbrite).

[Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest – The largest chocolate and coffee festival in the nation.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/Favicon-2.jpg)![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/logo-official-2.png)](https://chocolateandcoffeefest.com/?ref=thechocolatelife.com)

April 5 & 6

[Le Marché du Chocolat![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-1.ico)Le Marché du Chocolat0![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Chocolate.jpg)](https://www.lemarcheduchocolat.com/home?ref=thechocolatelife.com)

Formerly the Craft Chocolate Experience, now scheduled for May in SF, venue TBD.

[Chocolate Events + Holidays CalendarA calendar of Chocolate Festivals, Conferences, Exhibitions, Trade Fairs, and Food (& other) Holidays. This is a work in progress. Is there something missing or wrong? Please scroll down for instructions and let us know so it can be added or corrected. \[ Updated January 20, 2025\. \]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-17.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/pramuk-perera-2kiZCJeVxqM-unsplash-Featured1920x1080-1.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/chocolate-events-holidays-calendar/)

The return of the Norwich Chocolate Festival in April and confirmed dates for the 2025 Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival in November are in the calendar.

**5️⃣ A *Noteworthy* New Business Opportunity**

[Business F/S – Noteworthy ChocolatesNoteworthy Chocolates is the world’s only personalized chocolate gifting service! This is a unique opportunity to leverage its scalable proprietary IP and products to take your business to the next level in 2025 and beyond.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-16.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/NoteworthyFeatured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/business-f-s-noteworthy-chocolates/)

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### **Other Topic Resource Links**

Links to other stories and resources mentioned in the AMA be added after the episode.

craftchocolatchallenge

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### **Questions?**

If you have questions or want to comment, you can do so during the episode or, if you are a ChocolateLife member, you can add them in the Comments below at ***any*** time.

---

### **More Episode Hashtags (and Related Accounts to Follow)**

#News #AMA #Trends  
#cocoa #cacao #cacau  
#chocolate #chocolat #craftchocolate  
#PodSaveChoc #PSC  
#LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife

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### **Future Episodes**

🗓️

****Tuesday, February 11th – Episode 99**  
**Equipping the Ultimate Chocolate/Confectionery Workshop*: If cost were no object.

🗓️

****Friday, February 14th – Episode 100!**  
Something special for Valentine’s Day.

🗓️

****Tuesday, February 18th – Episode 101**  
**Equipping a Budget Chocolate/Confectionery Workshop*: Strategies for where and how to spend the money you do have effectively.

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### **#PodSaveChocolate and #TheChocolateLifeLIVE Archives**

**To read an archived post** and find the links to watch archived episodes, click on one of the bookmark cards, below.

[Pod Save Chocolate Calendar and ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. #PodSaveChocolate!![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/11/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080-5.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/pod-save-chocolate-calendar-and-archive/)

[#TheChocolateLifeLIVE ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/03/solen-feyissa-WG7v_wYZW4Q-unsplash-CalendarFeatured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelife-live-calendar/)

[PodSaveChocolateHosted by Clay Gordon, the creator and moderator of TheChocolateLife.com, #PodSaveChocolate covers a wide variety of topics in the worlds of cocoa and chocolate. The video versions of this podcast are hosted and archived on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Click on the PodSaveChocolate link in the top nav on TheChocolateLife for the links to the post accompanying each episode.![](https://pnc.st/static/img/256x256.png)Pinecast![](https://social.pinecast.net/preview_card/podcasts/covers/d3730dca-0711-4720-9ef3-3b18918c1f0d/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080.jpg?title=PodSaveChocolate)](https://pnc.st/s/podsavechocolate?ref=thechocolatelife.com)

Audio-only podcasts

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