After taking a year away from its traditional festival, EuroBean returns in 2027 with not one, but two European chocolate gatherings. The year begins with a new travelling edition in Bolzano, Italy, before the main EuroBean Chocolate Festival returns to its established home in Chemnitz, Germany.

Both events share the philosophy that has defined EuroBean since 2016: a focus on bean-to-bar chocolate, direct contact with chocolate makers, transparency, origin, fair value chains and sustainable production. However, each 2027 edition will offer a different experience.

Two European Destinations, One Bean-to-Bar Philosophy

EuroBean has always positioned chocolate as something to understand as well as taste. Visitors can discover where cacao comes from, learn how makers transform beans into finished bars and speak directly with the people producing the chocolate.

That approach remains central in 2027. The festival’s principles emphasise artisan production, thoughtful ingredient sourcing, organic cultivation, fair trade and greater transparency throughout the cacao supply chain.

EuroBean Goes on the Road to Bolzano

The first event takes place May 15–17, 2027, at Castel Mareccio in Bolzano, in Italy’s South Tyrol region. It marks the debut of EuroBean on the Road, a new concept designed to take the festival to distinctive destinations beyond Chemnitz.

Rather than reproducing the larger German festival, organisers are intentionally keeping Bolzano more intimate and carefully curated. The emphasis will be on chocolate makers, tastings, conversations and personal encounters.

The setting should add considerably to the experience. Castel Mareccio, also known as Schloss Maretsch, provides a historic castle setting close to the centre of Bolzano.

Organisers describe the Italian event as a first test for the travelling concept. If successful, EuroBean on the Road could eventually visit other locations in Europe and potentially beyond.

EuroBean Returns Home to Chemnitz

The main EuroBean Chocolate Festival returns September 3–5, 2027, at the Industriemuseum Chemnitz in Germany.

It will be the festival’s first edition since 2025. Organisers deliberately paused the event during 2026 to evaluate its future, develop new ideas and ensure the festival could continue without compromising its values or quality.

The 2027 return will include international chocolate makers, bean-to-bar chocolate, tastings, workshops, talks, a marketplace and food. Direct interaction between visitors and makers will remain central to the experience.

There is also a calendar change for returning visitors. EuroBean traditionally took place in early August, but the Chemnitz festival moves to the first weekend of September in 2027.

Meet the People Behind the Chocolate

The opportunity to meet chocolate makers is one of EuroBean’s defining features. Rather than presenting chocolate simply as a finished luxury product, the festival encourages conversations about cacao origin, sourcing, fermentation, production and flavour.

EuroBean’s international history has included makers from across Europe and considerably farther afield. Previous participants have represented countries including France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Thailand, Indonesia, the Dominican Republic and Canada.

The complete 2027 maker line-ups have not yet been announced, so those names should be added once the organiser confirms participants for each location.

Understanding Bean-to-Bar Chocolate

Bean-to-bar chocolate remains at the heart of EuroBean. In this approach, makers oversee the transformation of cacao beans into finished chocolate, including stages such as roasting, grinding, refining and moulding. It gives makers greater control over flavour while also creating opportunities for more transparent relationships with cacao farmers and cooperatives.

For visitors, EuroBean turns those ideas into something tangible. Tastings and conversations with makers can reveal why chocolates produced from different cacao origins taste dramatically different even when their ingredient lists appear similar.

Fairness and Sustainability Matter

EuroBean also places considerable emphasis on the people and environments behind cacao.

Fairness, organic agriculture and responsible sourcing form part of the festival’s stated principles. Educational programming helps connect the chocolate enjoyed by visitors with the farmers, communities and ecosystems involved in producing its primary ingredient.

That gives EuroBean a somewhat different identity from larger consumer chocolate shows. Sampling and shopping remain part of the experience, but education and transparency are equally important.

Planning a EuroBean Chocolate Journey in 2027

Chocolate travellers will have two opportunities to experience EuroBean in 2027.

EuroBean on the Road runs May 15–17 at Castel Mareccio in Bolzano, Italy. The main EuroBean Chocolate Festival follows September 3–5 at the Industriemuseum Chemnitz in Germany.

Detailed maker lists, programmes, workshops and ticket information are still being developed for both events.

After a year away, EuroBean’s return represents more than the revival of an established chocolate festival. The addition of Bolzano introduces a new chapter — one that could eventually take its bean-to-bar philosophy to chocolate communities throughout Europe.

EuroBean Chocolate Festival official website

Mark your calendars for April 6, 2025, and prepare to immerse yourself in the luxurious world of chocolate. Whether you’re a connoisseur, a curious foodie, or someone looking for a fun and flavorful day out, the SF Chocolate Salon promises an unforgettable experience.

Indulge your senses, meet like-minded enthusiasts, and celebrate the irresistible allure of chocolate. Don’t miss this sweet opportunity to treat yourself!