> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thechocolatelife.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # July 2025 News & AMA | #PodSaveChocolate Ep 130 - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/july-2025-news-ama-podsavechocolate-ep-130/ - Published: 2025-06-30T21:22:56.000Z - Updated: 2025-07-01T19:20:28.000Z - Description: Episode 130 of #PodSaveChocolate features chocolate news that’s fit to eat and AMA/Ask me Anything (about chocolate and cocoa) for June/July 2025. (There was no June News/AMA episode.) [ Updated ] - Author: Clay Gordon - Tags: PodSaveChocolate, Live Stream **When and Where to Watch** 🗓️ The stream airs LIVE at 11:00 ****PDT/MST** (12:00 MDT, 1:00 CDT, 2:00 EDT), on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025. Links below to watch LIVE and 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. This ****LINKEDIN** link is shareable. [![CTA Image](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/05/LinkedInLogo.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fpodsavechocolate-lavidacocoa-thechocolatelife-activity-7345561547655520256-mnlw?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAABaLUB44l0lzyoZ9nf9Lg8nfstgzLqxbg) Watch and comment LIVE or view the archived episode on LinkedIn. Join my network on LinkedIn to receive notifications and to refer business to each other. [Watch this episode on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fpodsavechocolate-lavidacocoa-thechocolatelife-activity-7345561547655520256-mnlw?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAABaLUB44l0lzyoZ9nf9Lg8nfstgzLqxbg) This ****FACEBOOK** link is shareable. [![CTA Image](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/05/FacebookLogo.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share/1FSpnqFkGQ/) Watch and comment LIVE or view the archived episode on ****TheChocolateLife page** on Facebook (for 30 days, then watch the archive on YouTube). Follow [TheChocolateLife on Facebook ](https://fb.me/thechocolatelife?ref=thechocolatelife.com)to receive notifications and catch up on other content. [Watch this episode on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/share/1FSpnqFkGQ/) --- ## **Episode 130 Overview** People participating live can ask **AMA** questions in the chat at any point during the episode. **News** topics lined up to be covered include: ### **The Continuing Saga of the Cost of Cocoa** | **MARKETS** | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | [ICCO Pricing Stats](https://www.icco.org/statistics/?ref=thechocolatelife.com#tab-id-1) | | [Futures Overview](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC%2A0/overview?ref=thechocolatelife.com) – Barchart.com | | [Graph](https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/cocoa?ref=thechocolatelife.com) – Trading Economics | | [EUDR moves in Peru](https://www.gob.pe/institucion/midagri/noticias/1197478-midagri-is-leading-the-geolocation-process-for-production-areas-in-13-regions-to-comply-with-european-union-regulations?ref=thechocolatelife.com) | | **TL;DR** — Traders remained focused on the outlook for the next main crop in Ivory Coast. Data released on June 23rd showed that farmers in Ivory Coast shipped 1.679 MMT of cocoa to ports this marketing year from October 1 to June 22, up 6.9% from last year but well below the 35% increase seen in December. | ### **1️⃣ ⋯ Heavy Metal (Thunder) Update** [Heavy Metals In Cocoa and Chocolate: A New StudyCocoa and chocolate have long been known to contain heavy metals; the most studied have been cadmium and lead. But does eating high cocoa content chocolate and cocoa powder present a real risk to your health?![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-180.png)The Chocolate LifeKeith Ayoob![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Cd---PeterHermesFurianiStock-Hero1920x1080-1.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/pinned/heavy-metals-in-cocoa-and-chocolate-a-new-study/) --- ### **2️⃣ ⋯ Awards** [Deep Dive: International Chocolate Awards 2024 World Final | #PodSaveChocolate Ep 129Episode 129 takes a deep dive look at the Winners in the 2024 World Final round of the International Chocolate Awards. Which company was the biggest winner? What can we learn about the distribution of winning entries? And more. \[Updated\]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-181.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Ep-126-Gemini-AI-SY1280x720-3.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/deep-dive-international-chocolate-awards-2024-world-final-podsavechocolate-ep-129/) [Winners - Good Food FoundationTasty, Authentic, Responsible![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Good Food Foundation![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/gf-logo-awards.svg)](https://goodfoodfdn.org/awards/winners/2025/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Exploring Winners of **15 Years of Good Food Awards* --- ### **3️⃣ ⋯ Other News (and news-adjacent) Stories** [Death of co-founder highlights rise of B Corps across the...In 2006 Andrew Kassoy, who died last week, founded the B Lab with two friends. Since then, companies with an explicit social and/or environmental purpose…![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-15.png)The Observer![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/33572.jpeg)](https://observer.co.uk/news/business/article/death-of-co-founder-highlights-rise-of-b-corps-across-the-globe?ref=thechocolatelife.com) I started doing the research into how many chocolate and confectionery companies are B Corp certified. So far, I have found 59 chocolate companies. I am doing some analysis on them and will proceed to confectionery companies. I may also widen the search to include “snacking” companies as well as companies that use chocolate in other sectors (ice cream) that might not be in the first three categories. Stay tuned! [Chocolate lovers will adore these 10 chocolate shopsChocolate lovers shouldn’t miss these 10 independent chocolate shops, voted as the best in the country by our readers.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-1.svg)USA TODAY 10Best10BEST Editors![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/LaRue-Fine-Chocolate_54_990x660.jpg)](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-chocolate-shop/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) We did an episode on this: [A #Chowhound Listicle Review | #PodSaveChocolate Ep 128](https://thechocolatelife.com/a-chowhound-listicle-review-podsavechocolate-ep-128/) [What You Should Always Look For On The Label When Shopping For Higher Quality Chocolate - ChowhoundWhen shopping for chocolate, several aspects can clue you in to whether a bar is high-quality or not. But this is what you should always check for.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/chowhound-favicon-506x506-1.png)ChowhoundEloise Rollins-Fife![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/l-intro-1750955429.jpg)](https://www.chowhound.com/1896527/shopping-for-high-quality-chocolate-tip/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) More advice from Chowhound – is it any good? [Is European chocolate better than American chocolate](https://www.chowhound.com/1837693/is-european-chocolate-better-than-american/?ref=thechocolatelife.com)? [15 Food Combinations That Shouldn’t Work But DoSome of the most memorable meals come from the most unexpected pairings. Traditional cooking wisdom suggests certain ingredients should never meet on the same plate, yet adventurous eaters have discovered that breaking these unwritten rules often leads to surprisingly delicious results. These unconventional combinations challenge our preconceptions about flavor and prove that culinary creativity knows … Continue reading “15 Food Combinations That Shouldn’t Work But Do”![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/cropped-2-512x512-1-180x180.png)Go2TutorsAce Vincent![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Depositphotos_333884750_S.jpg)](https://go2tutors.com/15-food-combinations-that-shouldnt-work-but-do/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Chocolate and bacon, or avocado; sea salt? Do they **truly* defy logic? > **Source ⋯** Go2Tutors is the internet’s top destination for learning about anything and everything under the sun. We’ll teach you things you didn’t know about history, geography, pop culture, nature, architecture, culture, space, food, and much more. [Best Chocolates in the World | TasteAtlas![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-43.ico)TasteAtlas](https://www.tasteatlas.com/chocolate/products?ref=thechocolatelife.com) A new (to me) source but how ***usable** is it? [Chocolate Moonshine with Chilli - The Sweet Potato Spirit CompanyA bold and fiery twist on a rich classic flavour. Our chocolate chilli moonshine blends smooth and velvety chocolate with a gentle kick of chilli heat. Serve straight or over ice. Sweet Potato Chocolate Moonshine with Chilli was awarded Gold at the World Spirit Awards 2017.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-15.png)Sweet Potato Spirit CompanySweet Potato Spirit Company![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/choco-moonshine-50cl_1200x1200.jpg)](https://www.thesweetpotatospiritcompany.com/products/chocolate-moonshine-with-chilli?ref=thechocolatelife.com) For my friends in the UK. [Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety AlertsFDA and industry press releases regarding product recalls![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-44.ico)FDAOffice of Inspections and Investigations![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/FDA-Social-Graphic-1.png)](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Recalls in the news ⋯ several in chocolate in June. [What undeclared allergens might Dubai chocolate contain?The FSA has found that Dubai chocolate contains several allergens. What are they?![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-5.png)ConfectioneryNews.comAugustus Bambridge-Sutton![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/3BPBJ4BFGFHAJEOLPJIR7KI5VQ.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/06/13/dubai-chocolate-allergens-explained/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) A hidden downside to “Dubai” chocolates? [Chocolate confectionery trends 2025, consumer insights andChocolate trends reveal that digestive and gut health has become the primary health aspect driving functional food and beverage purchases, with average![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-16.png)English![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/svg-xml-nitro-empty-id-NjUzOjY--1-base64-PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzYgMjQiIHdpZHRoPSIzNiIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4-)](https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/chocolate-confectionery-2025-consumer-insights-and-preferences/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) More Trendy Trends Trending [Ten Designer Chocolates That You Must Try – CR Fashion BookThe renowned American luxury retailer recognizes fashion’s luminaries with the return of its annual award ceremony.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/CR.jpg)CR Fashion BookAlexander Hernandez Gonzalez![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/BFA_38615_5399484-scaled.jpg)](https://crfashionbook.com/designer-chocolate/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Are these MUST tries? (I’ve been to Vuitton boutique in NYC.) --- ### **4️⃣ ⋯ Open Opportunity** [Unique Chocolate Retail Opportunity in Harvard SquareSublet move-in ready space within a historic retail storefront steps from Harvard Square. Utilities, fixtures, and a dedicated storefront window display space are included. \[Updated March 31.\]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-81.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/LeavittPeirceFeatured1920x1080-d0bf1ee87a8c7471-2.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/unique-chocolate-retail-opportunity-in-harvard-square/) --- ### **5️⃣ ⋯ Festival Updates** [California Chocolate ExpoCalifornia Chocolate Expo November 15th-16th, 2025 12:00-6:00 pm Red Lion Hotel 1830 Hilltop Dr., Redding, CA 96002![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/rs-w-180-h-180-m)California Chocolate ExpoCalifornia Chocolate Expo![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Final-20Image.png)](https://californiachocolateexpo.com/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Dates confirmed ⋯ tickets now on sale. [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/) Updated through May with confirmed dates for the 2025 Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival in November – and more – are now on the calendar. --- ### **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. --- ### **Episode Hashtags and Socials** #News #AMA #Trends #cocoa #cacao #cacau #chocolate #chocolat #craftchocolate #PodSaveChoc #PSC #LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife --- ### **Future Episodes** 🗓️ None scheduled at the time this was published. --- ### **#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 --- ## Not a Member? Live The Chocolate Life – Live La Vida Cocoa! Sign up for Free to comment and receive members-only content. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. 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