I Cioccolati del Mediterraneo

The premium chocolate fair in Maglie

I Cioccolati del Mediterraneo is an annual event that, in the late winter, turns Maglie—a town in the province of Lecce in the heart of Salento—into a national hub for fine cocoa culture. Established in 2023, the fair is promoted by Confcommercio Imprese per l'Italia Lecce with the support of the Lecce Chamber of Commerce and the scientific direction of the Compagnia del Cioccolato, the national association that has been promoting quality artisanal chocolate since 1994.

The event is held at the Museo Archeoindustriale di Terra d'Otranto (MAITO) on Via Matteotti in Maglie: a space with a strong sense of identity, where the memory of Salento's artisan heritage meets contemporary taste and the story of cocoa from its origins to the finished bar.

Tastings, master chocolatiers, and the Tavoletta d'Oro

The heart of the event lies in the guided tastings led by Compagnia del Cioccolato experts, who guide the public through the nuances of origins, cocoa percentages, and processing techniques. They are joined by some of the most prestigious names in the Italian and international bean-to-bar and artisanal chocolate scene, hailing from regions like Tuscany, Sicily, Emilia-Romagna, and Puglia, as well as foreign producers and experts.

The highlight is the presentation of the Tavoletta d'Oro, the national award bestowed by the Compagnia del Cioccolato upon the best Italian chocolates. Maglie has hosted the ceremony for several consecutive years, cementing its status as one of the most authoritative showcases in the sector in Southern Italy.

Show cooking, workshops, and culture

The program blends entertainment with education: the Great Chocolate Show features live cooking demonstrations with local pastry chefs and students from pastry schools, while hands-on workshops engage both adults and children with activities like "Let's Get Our Hands Dirty" and "Behind the Scenes" tours of chocolate production. The event also features pairings of chocolate with spirits, wines, and coffee, alongside sensory experiences and cultural moments featuring books and music.

A landmark event for Salento and Puglia

With free admission and a packed weekend schedule, I Cioccolati del Mediterraneo has established itself as one of the most anticipated food and wine events in winter Puglia, attracting enthusiasts, families, and tourists to the town of Maglie and across the Salento region. It is a celebration that honors chocolate not just as a culinary pleasure, but as a product of supply chain excellence, culture, and fine craftsmanship.