Minimal Wins 9 Awards at International Chocolate Awards Asia-Pacific 2026
Japanese craft chocolate brand 'Minimal' earned nine awards at ICA Asia-Pacific 2026, including a Gold for its 'Arhuaco Lot 1.' To celebrate, a limited-edition set of award-winning chocolates will be released on May 19.
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- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 22:00
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Betaace Inc. (Shibuya, Tokyo; CEO Takatsugu Yamashita) announced that its specialty chocolate brand 'Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate -' won a total of nine awards at the International Chocolate Awards (ICA) Asia-Pacific 2026. The achievements include a Gold award for 'Arhuaco Lot 1,' four Silver awards, and four Bronze awards. This marks the brand's 11th consecutive year of recognition, totaling 112 awards.
To commemorate this success, a limited-edition 'International Award-Winning Chocolate 7-Piece Set' featuring seven award-winning bars will be sold starting May 19, 2026.
ICA founder Martin Christie praised Minimal's unique 'rough ground' style, noting that it challenges the convention that chocolate must be smooth. He described Minimal as a world leader in the 'Minimal processing' movement, which focuses on preserving the natural essence of cacao through precisely calculated textures.
### Award Highlights
- **Gold:** Arhuaco Lot 1 (Micro-batch Plain/origin dark chocolate)
- **Total Awards:** 9 (1 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze)
### Sales Information
- **Product Name:** International Award-Winning Chocolate 7-Piece Set
- **Price:** ¥12,780 (tax included)
- **Release Dates:**
- Online Pre-sale (Members): May 19, 2026
- General Online Sale: May 22, 2026
- Tomigaya Flagship Store: May 29, 2026
Individual bars will also be available at the Tomigaya store.
To commemorate this success, a limited-edition 'International Award-Winning Chocolate 7-Piece Set' featuring seven award-winning bars will be sold starting May 19, 2026.
ICA founder Martin Christie praised Minimal's unique 'rough ground' style, noting that it challenges the convention that chocolate must be smooth. He described Minimal as a world leader in the 'Minimal processing' movement, which focuses on preserving the natural essence of cacao through precisely calculated textures.
### Award Highlights
- **Gold:** Arhuaco Lot 1 (Micro-batch Plain/origin dark chocolate)
- **Total Awards:** 9 (1 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze)
### Sales Information
- **Product Name:** International Award-Winning Chocolate 7-Piece Set
- **Price:** ¥12,780 (tax included)
- **Release Dates:**
- Online Pre-sale (Members): May 19, 2026
- General Online Sale: May 22, 2026
- Tomigaya Flagship Store: May 29, 2026
Individual bars will also be available at the Tomigaya store.
FAQ
Where can I buy Minimal chocolate?
Available at their online store and physical locations like the Tomigaya flagship store in Tokyo. Some sets are limited in quantity.
What is the 'rough ground' method?
It's a unique technique where cacao beans are intentionally left coarse, allowing for a burst of aroma and a distinct texture when eaten.
Is Minimal chocolate suitable for gifts?
Yes, the 'International Award-Winning 7-Piece Set' is an excellent gift, offering a curated experience of world-class chocolate varieties.