Craft is a sequence of decisions

The care.
Behind the craving.

Textured cocoa beans and exposed nibs on a light stone surface

It begins before
the first roast.

A chocolate bar carries the work of growers and makers. The factory journey begins with beans that have already been fermented and dried.

Enter the 3D journey

From bean to packaging

The process, step by step.

  1. 01

    Before the factory

    Cocoa beans are fermented and dried after harvest. This upstream work matters to the flavour that develops later.

    Continue to the factory
  2. 02

    Sorting & roasting

    Cleaned beans enter the roast. The roast profile is chosen for the cocoa and the flavour the maker wants to develop.

    Explore this stage in 3D
  3. 03

    Cracking & winnowing

    The roasted beans are cracked. Separation removes the lighter shell and retains the nib for the next stage.

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  4. 04

    Grinding

    The nibs are ground into cocoa mass. Cocoa butter released during grinding helps turn particles into a paste.

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  5. 05

    Mixing, refining & conching

    Recipe ingredients are combined. Refining reduces particle size; conching develops the mixture’s flavour and texture.

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  6. 06

    Tempering

    Controlled cocoa-butter crystallisation helps create a glossy surface, a firm snap and easier release from the mould.

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  7. 07

    Moulding & cooling

    Chocolate is deposited into moulds, settled and cooled. The formed bars can then be released.

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  8. 08

    Inspection & packaging

    The bars are checked and wrapped. Packaging protects the product and gives it its final presentation.

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Process overview informed by the International Cocoa Organization and Callebaut’s tempering guidance. Equipment, recipes, temperatures and processing times vary.

About MELT

A concept you can step into.

MELT is a fictional chocolate-making experience by Digital Alta. The 3D equipment illustrates the process; it is not an engineering simulation or a representation of a specific operating factory. Supporting food imagery is AI-generated.

Performance and accessibility

The scene runs in your browser using WebGL. Use the chapter buttons instead of scrolling whenever you prefer. Reduced-motion settings switch to explicit chapter navigation. If 3D is unavailable, this guide remains readable without it.

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