9 Things Craft Chocolate Can Learn From Craft Beer

In our first episode for 2026, we're looking at 9 lessons craft chocolate can learn from craft beer. Most of these, honestly, are lessons craft beer has learned (or, actually, is still learning) the hard way, and craft chocolate businesses and the industry as a whole can learn from beer's mistakes and missteps. I also discuss my stance on the use of AI in craft chocolate)

Episode timeline (approximate):

1:00 - Introduction
2:30 - Main topic
4:30 - Industry Code of Conduct
11:25 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
14:15 - Labor Practices
16:45 - Acquisitions (Check out my blog post about big chocolate taking notice of craft chocolate here)
21:45 - Prepare for Success
23:25 - Collaboration
27:00 - What Awards Do and Don't Mean
30:10 - Not Your Hobby (You can check out Not Your Hobby Marketing by Julie Rhodes)
32:15 - Band Together
33:55 - My Stance on Generative AI
36:00 - Recent News
38:25 - End

Check out David's book Pairing Beer & Chocolate: A Guide to Bringing the Flavors of Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate Together.

Sign up for host David Nilsen's beer newsletter for regular beer musings, and the Bean to Barstool newsletter for pairings, collaborations, and maker profiles.

The music for this episode is by my dear friend, indie folk musician Anna ps. You can find out more about Anna’s music in the show notes or at their website annapsmusic.com, where you can also get in touch to book them to play at your brewery or other establishment.