BILLS BEAN TO BAR STORY

Bill Copeland opened Glacier Confections in 2010 after years of developing retail packaging for clients that created and made chocolate. As Copeland traveled throughout the world, he began to develop a true passion for pure quality of bean-to-bar chocolate, how it is cultivated and ultimately created.

He first gleaned knowledge through his customers in a variety of cultures when they invited him into their shops and factories to observe how they made chocolate. When Copeland’s passion grew to the point that he decided to dive-in head first, he enrolled and later graduated from Ecole Chocolat in Vancouver, British Columbia. He then completed the Master Chocolatier program in Hermitage, France, as well as the Master Program at Barry Callebaut in Belgium.

Since its inception, Glacier Confections and Copeland have received a flurry of critical acclaim. He has been recognized as one of the top 10 Confectioners in North America by Dessert Professional Magazine, and Glacier Confections chocolate has been called “food for the Gods” by the Chicago Tribune and the “Best Chocolate in the World” by Tulsa World Herald. Most recently, the Food Network hailed Glacier Confections as producing one of the “Best Chocolates in America.”

Recognizing the need to preserve and protect the fine flavor of cacao around the world, Glacier Confection became the driving force behind the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Initiative (HCPI), a partnership between the Fine Chocolate Industry and the USDA. The HCPI developed an innovative way to evaluate, identify, and value special, extraordinary and unique flavored cacao, then reward the family farms who grow it by helping them achieve greater income through progressive education.

Through Glacier Confections, Copeland has been able to support and raise much needed funds for our country’s most deserving. He is fully committed to making a difference in the lives of those who have so bravely served and sacrificed for our country. Glacier Confections supports the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides college scholarships and support to spouses and children of service members killed or disabled while on active duty. Glacier is also actively involved in the VA Coming Home program in Oklahoma, and also has plans to help veterans transition to civilian life and acquire the skills they need to find jobs in the chocolate industry through educational programs at Glacier’s new facility.