Our Charter

Maker Member chocolate makers are committed to crafting the natural flavours of cocoa from bean to bar, sourcing beans from growing and trading communities who share our passion for flavour and transparency.

Governing Documents

In addition to this Membership Charter, all Members are also bound by the Association’s Constitution and Articles of Association, which outline the legal structure, purpose, and governance of the Association. This Charter complements those documents by setting out the specific expectations and commitments of Maker Members. In the event of any conflict, the Constitution and Articles of Association shall take precedence.

By becoming a Member, individuals and organisations agree to uphold the values of transparency, craftsmanship, and collaboration, as defined below.

1. Bean-to-Bar Craft Chocolate Production

Maker Members must carry out all stages of chocolate manufacturing from the cocoa bean directly, without subcontracting any of the following processes:

  • Sorting

  • Roasting

  • Cracking

  • Winnowing

  • Grinding

  • Conching

  • Moulding

2. Verification 

Members must make their company available for virtual or in-person verification by a member of the Association’s board to confirm compliance with the production processes listed above and defined in the Association’s Glossary of Definitions and Terms.

3. Ongoing Compliance Notification

Members agree to notify the Association if:

  • They no longer exclusively produce chocolate from bean to bar, or

  • They no longer comply with any aspect of this Charter.

4. Supply Chain Transparency

Maker Members are committed to using supply chains that respect both nature and people. To demonstrate this, they must be willing to share transparent information about their supply chains with both Association members and the general public.

5. Contribution to the Community and Industry

Members shall:

  • Share knowledge and experience to help the Association achieve its goals, including promoting craft chocolate, debunking misinformation, and educating the press and consumers.

  • Participate in collective projects that have a positive social and economic impact.

6. Policy Compliance

Members shall comply with all policies and procedures established by the Association, including but not limited to the Equality and Diversity Policy and the Privacy Policy.

Data Sharing and Confidentiality

Members agree to supply the following data with their application and update it annually:

  • Bean origin and supplier type

  • Weight of beans used annually

  • Turnover bracket

  • Employee numbers

  • Product portfolio

Any data shared by Members or their Companies will be aggregated and anonymised. The Association will not use information in a way that identifies individual Members or their companies. The Association and its Members shall abide by the Association’s Privacy Policy.

7. Definitions and Communications

Members agree to:

  • Abide by the definitions set out in the Association’s Glossary of Definitions & Terms, and

  • Ensure that marketing and communications about craft chocolate align with these definitions where applicable.

8. Competition Compliance

Members must read and comply with the Association’s Competition Compliance Policy, including the following key points:

  • The Association can be held liable for breaches of competition law.

  • Members must not discuss competitively sensitive information.

  • Members should leave and report any meeting where such information is discussed.

  • Members must not engage in anti-competitive behaviour, including pricing agreements or output plans.

9. Limited Liability

Each Member's financial liability is limited to £1, representing the amount they agree to contribute to the assets of the Association in the event it is wound up, either while they are a Member or within one year after ceasing to be a Member.

10. Membership Fees

Membership fees are based on staffing levels (with a 35-hour week equating to one full-time employee). Reduced rates apply in the first year while membership benefits are still developing.  Membership fees will be reviewed annually and full details of membership fees can be found in the Finance Policy document.

Use of membership fees

Members agree that a proportion of their membership fees may be allocated to supporting or collaboration with other organisations whose aims align with ours in particular in supporting the bean to bar makers and their global supply chains. 

11. Ceasing Membership

A Member may choose to cease membership at any time by providing written notice to the Association. Membership may also be terminated if a Member is found to be in breach of this Charter. In either case, no refund of membership fees will be issued. Upon cessation, the Member must discontinue use of any Association branding or materials.

12. Amendments to the Charter

This Charter may be updated from time to time by the Association. Members will be notified of any changes and given the opportunity to review and respond before new terms take effect.

13. Agreement to the Charter

By submitting an application for membership, individuals and organisations agree to abide by the terms outlined in this Charter.