- After the Cocoa beans have been broken to separate the crushed kernels (nibs) are conveyed to pre-grinders and fine-grinding mills which crush them more finely.
- The fine-grinding mills contain a ball mill which has lots of tiny metal beads and as they rub, it breaks up the tissues of the broken cocoa kernels.
- The frictional heat melts the cocoa butter in the beans which creates a strong colored dark brown liquid chocolate scented (cocoa liquor).