On June 1st, chocolate manufacturer Base, which develops the "Bean to Bar" chocolate brand Minimal, will open a new street-level store in Tokyo's Ginza district, "Minimal Ginza Bean to Bar Stand" (1F Mitsuo Building, 3-8-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo), with the concept of "casually enjoying the differences between cacao beans."

Located behind Matsuya Ginza near Ginza's main street, the store specializes in takeout, where customers can sample cacao beans from around the world while choosing their favorite chocolate at a large counter table in the center of the store. Inside the store, customers can sample the entire manufacturing process, from cacao beans to chocolate. Samples offered include freshly roasted cacao beans, crushed cacao beans called "cacao nibs," a popular "superfood," ground into a paste, and the finished chocolate, which is then cooled and molded. Not only can you enjoy the different flavors depending on the origin, but you can also enjoy the changes in taste as the cacao beans are transformed into chocolate.

The store sells tablet-shaped bean-to-bar chocolate (starting at 900 yen) made with cacao beans sourced from over 15 countries on three continents. There are six or seven different flavors available at any given time, divided into three categories: "Nutty," with a nutty aroma; "Fruity," with its distinctive fruity tartness; and "Savory," with its distinctive spice and herb aroma. Mini sizes are also available, and a "Tasting Set" (2,130 yen) allows you to choose your three favorite flavors.

The store also sells other cacao confections, such as "Cacao Nib Meringue" (600 yen), made by kneading cacao nibs from each region into meringue and baking it, and "Chocolate Flakes" (1,200 yen), a powdered form that can be dissolved in milk or hot water to create your own drink. "Chocolate Ice Cream" (650 yen), made with cocoa beans, milk, sugar, and honey, will also be available in six or seven varieties, divided into three categories: "Nutty," "Fruity," and "Savory," just like the chocolate bars.

Drinks include "Cacao Pulp Juice" (400 yen), which has a tropical fruit-like flavor made from squeezed cocoa pulp; "Hot Chocolate" (650 yen), which has a rich, creamy texture that allows you to directly experience the aroma of fermented cocoa beans; and "Chocolatl" (650 yen), an energy drink made from chocolate with spices such as ginger. For gifts, a "Gift Box" (from 6,500 yen) containing three types of chocolate bars and two types of "Chocolate Flakes" will also be available.