Abstract: A process for the preparation of chocolate paste is disclosed wherein various ingredients such as cocoa and powdered sugar are subjected to grinding and powdered sugar are subject to operations grinding to a predetermined degree of particle size, fluidification by dispersion of the particles of sugar and cocoa into a continuous fatty phase and of degassing for the removal of water and undesirable volatile compounds. At least one portion of the treatment is carried out in a conveyor with several screws provided with means for regulating the temperature of the entrained material. According to the invention, after a preliminary grinding of the ingredients to obtain a refined paste having the desired degree of particle size in the screw conveyor a dry-conching treatment of the refined paste is carried out and then the liquefaction of the paste is obtained by the incorporation of adjuvants.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a chocolate paste in which the various ingredients comprising at least cocoa and powdered sugar are subject to operations of grinding to a predetermined degree of particle size, of fluidification by dispersion of the particles of sugar and of cocoa into a continuous fatty phase and of degasification for the removal of water and undesirable volatile compounds. At least part of the treatment is carried out in a conveyor with several screws and an arrangement for regulating the temperature of the entrained material. After preliminary grinding of the ingredients to obtain a refined paste having the desired degree of particle size in the screw conveyor, dry-conching of the refined paste is carried out and then the liquefaction of the paste is obtained by the incorporation of additives in accordance with the receipe.