Our Charter
Supporter Members are individuals and organisations committed to supporting and strengthening the bean-to-bar craft chocolate sector as defined in the Association’s Glossary of Definitions & Terms.
Supporter Membership recognises those who contribute to the wider ecosystem of craft chocolate production but who do not meet, or are not applying under, the criteria for Full (Maker) Membership.
Supporter membership is a non-voting membership of the Association.
1. Governing Documents
In addition to this Membership Charter, all Members are 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 Supporter Members.
In the event of any conflict, the Constitution and Articles of Association shall take precedence.
By becoming a Supporter Member, individuals and organisations agree to uphold the values of transparency, integrity, collaboration, and respect for Bean-to-Bar Craft Chocolate Production, as defined in the Association’s Glossary of Definitions & Terms.
2. Definition of Supporter Membership
Supporter Membership is open to individuals and organisations who contribute to or support the craft chocolate sector, including but not limited to:
- Retailers (craft chocolate and other retail)
- Chefs, pastry chefs, and hospitality professionals
- Journalists, bloggers, educators, judges, and tasters
- Chocolate enthusiasts and advocates
- Industry suppliers (beans, ingredients, packaging, machinery, services)
- Chocolatiers, aspiring chocolate makers or part bean-to-bar makers
- Other professionals contributing to the sector
3. Contribution to the Community and Industry
Supporter Members shall:
- Share knowledge and expertise to help the Association achieve its goals, including promoting craft chocolate, debunking misinformation, and educating press and consumers.
- Participate in collective projects that positively impact the craft chocolate sector.
- Respect and support the integrity of the definitions and standards established by the Association
4. Application
As part of the application process, applicants shall provide a brief statement outlining their reasons for applying for Supporter Membership and how they believe they can contribute to the Association and the wider craft chocolate sector. The Board reserves the right to seek clarification where necessary in order to determine whether an applicant is a suitable fit for Supporter Membership and aligned with the Association’s objectives.
5. Distinction from Full (Maker) Membership
Bean-to-Bar Craft Chocolate Production is defined in the Association’s Glossary of Definitions & Terms.
Supporter Membership is distinct from Full (Maker) Membership and does not recognise or certify bean-to-bar production.. Where a Supporter Member also undertakes chocolate making and wishes to be recognised as a Full Member and receive Full Member benefits,, they must apply separately and undergo verification in accordance with the Full Member Charter. Supporter Members must not represent themselves as Full Members, or use Association branding in a way that suggests Full (Maker) status.. Misrepresentation may result in review, suspension, or termination of membership.
6. Policy Compliance
Supporter Members shall comply with all policies and procedures established by the Association, including but not limited to:
- Equality and Diversity Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Competition Compliance Policy
Supporter Members must not discuss competitively sensitive information or engage in anti-competitive behaviour.
7. Data Sharing and Confidentiality
Supporter Members agree to provide relevant information as part of their application and to update this where appropriate.
The Association will not use information in a way that identifies individual Members or their organisations without consent. All parties shall abide by the Association’s Privacy Policy.
8. 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.
9. Membership Fees
Membership fees are structured according to category and scale, as set out in the Finance Policy. Fees are reviewed annually.
10. Use of Membership Fees
Members agree that a proportion of their membership fees may be allocated to initiatives or collaborations with organisations whose aims align with the Association, particularly in supporting Bean-to-Bar Craft Chocolate Production and its 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, including misrepresentation of membership category. In either case, no refund of membership fees will be issued.
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 Supporter Membership, individuals and organisations agree to abide by the terms outlined in this Charter and to respect the definitions and standards established by the Association.