> ## 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. # TheChocolateLifeLIVE | FCIA / FFS Summer 2023 Roundup w/ Keith Ayoob - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelifelive-fcia-ffs-summer-2023-roundup/ - Published: 2023-06-29T01:28:38.000Z - Updated: 2023-06-29T01:34:16.000Z - Description: Episode 119 of #TheChocolateLifeLIVE is LIVE from 9:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM EDT on Fri, June 30th. - Author: TheChocolateWire - Tags: Live Stream, The Wire 🕘 Note the early start time for this episode. Watch on [my LinkedIn profile](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Ffcia-finechocolateindustry-sfa-activity-7079911429763432448-c6tt?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop) Watch on [TheChocolateLife page](https://www.facebook.com/TheChocolateLife/) on Facebook (live event) --- ### **Overview** This is the first time in quite a long time (about a decade) that I have not attended in person either or both the Summer Fancy Food Show or the semi-annual meeting of the FCIA. Which felt kind of weird, I have to admit, looking through my social media feeds and seeing posts from colleagues who were converging on NYC for the weekend of June 24th. Fortunately, ChocolateLife contributor Keith Ayoob was going to be attending both events and so we’ll get a chance to vicariously participate in the activities of them both. [Keith Ayoob - The Chocolate LifeKeith Ayoob, Assoc. Prof. Emeritus of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY City, who loves chocolate research. As a foodie, he searches out new artisan bars during his travels.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeAbout![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2021/01/mike-tinnion-3ym6i13Y9LU-1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/author/keithayoob/) This is the page on TheChocolateLife where you can see all of Keith’s posts. --- ### **Resources** [Home - Fine Chocolate Industry AssociationFine Chocolate Industry Association is a member organization supporting fine chocolate professionals and the industry. Discover fine chocolate with FCIA.![](https://finechocolateindustry.org/images/favicon.svg)Fine Chocolate Industry Association![](https://viethconsulting.com/slideshows/images/FCIA/default/B0.382856001623352438.jpg)](https://finechocolateindustry.org/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) FCIA home page. [Fine Chocolate Industry Association![](https://finechocolateindustry.org/images/favicon.svg)![](https://finechocolateindustry.org/images/facebook-icon.svg)](https://members.finechocolateindustry.org/members/evr/portal/itinerary.php?org%5Fid=FCIA&evid=36601023&ref=thechocolatelife.com) The schedule/agenda for the meeting. [Home![](https://www.specialtyfood.com/static/favicon.ico)Specialty Food Association![](https://www.specialtyfood.com/static/img/logo_fb_scoialicons-black.svg)](https://www.specialtyfood.com/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) ### *Summer SFA Fancy Food Show Chocolate News* 🥳 **Congratulations to Shawn Askinosi**e for being inducted into the Specialty Food Association’s 2023 Hall of Fame! [Askinosie Chocolate | Bean to Bar Chocolate Gifts - Craft ChocolateDiscover award-winning, ethically sourced, small batch craft chocolate made by hand in the USA. Find the perfect gift for any chocolate lover. Shop now!![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0542/6354/6027/files/favicon_96x.png?v=1614354026)Askinosie Chocolate![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0542/6354/6027/files/Chocolate-Molding_Banner_32b95e67-0432-4c26-9a6d-78bdd4b1ce27.jpg?v=1628627108)](https://askinosie.com/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) 📰 Congratulations are also due to **Bixby & Co** (Maine) for *sweeping* the Dark and Milk & White chocolate categories in this year’s SOFI Awards, taking Golds for their 70% Dark Organic Haiti bar and Maine Grains Organic Milk bar – which was also awarded Best New Product in the category. Bixby also took home the Gold in the non-chocolate confectionery category for their Spicy Chili Beer Brittle. The Gold in the Chocolate Candy category went to **CocoTutti Chocolates** for their LaKama Moroccan Spice with Lime filled bar, with **St Croix Chocolate Company** taking Best New Product for their Bourbon Pecan Toffee. [Bixby Chocolate: Craft ConfectioneryOrganic, Non GMO, Gluten Free Candy Maker located in Rockland, Maine.![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2674/9302/files/favicon_8caf9593-aee7-4e97-bbbe-31c9c01b9afd_228x228.png?v=1623644925)Bixby ChocolatesBixby Chocolates![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2674/9302/files/Bixby-Chocolate-Logo-Red-vertical_1200x.png?v=1624845148)](https://bixbychocolate.com/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [CocoTutti Chocolates - A passionate marriage of art and flavorHandmade, small batch artisan chocolate bon bons, truffles, caramels, chocolate bark, and other treats!CocoTutti![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1210/8712/files/mini_s-only.gif?v=1605377355)](https://www.cocotutti.com/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [All ChocolateWe’re no longer shipping gifts from our online store, but our candy case is filled with sweet treats and sweet surprises for Mom. Stop by the shop!![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0585/7558/5439/files/sccc-favicon_32x32.png?v=1632588909)St. Croix Chocolate Company![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0585/7558/5439/files/ISA9515_techedJC.jpg?v=1643401157)](https://stcroixchocolateco.com/collections/all?ref=thechocolatelife.com) 📰 According to the SFA, the Chocolate and Confectionery category ranked 7th out of the Top 10 Categories (of 63 SFA recognizes) in terms of dollar sales in 2022\. Chips, Pretzels, and Snacks topped the list, with Coffee and Hot Cocoa (not ready-to-drink) coming in at number five. Chocolate and Confectionery placed 6th (of 10) Fastest Growing Categories 2020-2022. --- 💡 ***Have thoughts to share or questions to ask?*** Leave them in the comments. Not a member? You must be a member to comment. Click the Join button to become a Free or Premium member. --- ### **Hashtags** #FCIA #SFA #specialtyfoods #FFS #fancyfoodshows #chocolate #craftchocolate #cacao #cocoa #cacau #TheChocolateLife #LaVidaCocoa ---