Did you know that some cocoa workers have never tasted chocolate?

Social and environmental problems are a familiar issue in the cocoa industry.

By buying our products, you are helping to promote sustainable cocoa production. 

This is how we work with our suppliers to deliver the best chocolate:

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Our suppliers place high demands on plantation managers and the teams they use for cultivation, harvesting and production. Farmers are challenged with every new order from our suppliers. They have to

- reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides

- have good working conditions for employees.

In addition, they must deliver consistent quality and taste, regardless of weather conditions

To achieve this, farmers must use traditional expertise and an in-depth understanding of their land, along with new farming techniques and post-harvest methods. Suppliers set strict guidelines, which farmers must follow to the letter.

SUPPLIERS' RELATIONSHIPS WITH FARMERS

• Direct sourcing: Wherever possible, beans are purchased directly from the farmers, to provide perfect traceability and transparent farming practices.
• Long-term commitment: Order sizes and prices are agreed in advance. This gives farmers greater predictability in terms of investments, training and wages. This financial stability helps to improve the community's standard of living in the long term.
• Social and environmental responsibility: Farmers are assisted in implementing responsible farming practices. The plantations are visited on a regular basis, to guarantee that these methods are being used. The process also helps to build special long-term relationships with the partner plantations.

- Our suppliers prioritize agroforestry farming methods because trees are necessary for responsible, productive and sustainable agriculture.

THE HUNT FOR THE BEST COCOA BEANS

The taste of a chocolate depends primarily on the quality of the cocoa beans.

The growing area's signature features and type are what make the cocoa bean authentic and give it its unique aromas. The composition of the soil gives the fruit (pod) its flavor profile. Climate affects the sugar ratio, a crucial part of the post-harvest process. A good growing area depends on the soil and climate, and how it is used.

Our suppliers have spent years selecting their origins. They are exclusively located in remote agricultural areas on both sides of the equator. In other words, not in East Africa, where almost three quarters of the world's cocoa is produced.