Cocoa Runners

What's in the box: A monthly selection of craft chocolate bars from growers and makers around the world, with background on where and how each bar was made.

Cocoa Runners is a UK craft chocolate retailer. Its subscription, the Cocoa Runners Club, sends members a new box of bars every month. The bars come from small growers and makers around the world. The company says its collection is the largest expertly selected range of craft chocolate, and it puts a lot of effort into explaining where each bar comes from and how it was made. That makes the club a good fit if you want to learn about chocolate as well as eat it. The site says it works directly with farmers and co-operatives to ensure fair pay. The club is one part of a larger business. The shop sells dark, milk, white, 100% and vegan bars, plus drinking chocolate, truffles, cooking chocolate and ceremonial cacao. There are also gift subscriptions, a coffee and chocolate subscription, and corporate plans. The company runs tastings in person in London and around the UK, holds virtual tastings, and organises the London Craft Chocolate Fair. The site advertises worldwide shipping, though the details are not set out on the front page. Pricing and box sizes are not stated up front either, so check the subscription pages before you sign up. Overall, this is a serious, knowledgeable option for anyone curious about fine chocolate.