Despite all of the bad press out there, some chocolate companies are leading the way of ethical business and supporting their cocoa farmers. Another one that I have just found out about is Divine Chocolates. The company is actually owned 45% by the farmers, the Kuapa Kokoo. The Kuapa Kokoo is a groups that operates in many areas of Ghana since 1993. The basic premise of this group is to improve cocoa farming, the lives of the farmers and families and increase the safety of the children.
The Kuapa Kokoo state that they are the worlds oldest Fair Trade certified supplier. By having a Fair Trade certification they are able to receive almost double payment for their beans. Then, in a partnership with Divine chocolates and other grants is how they work to make improvements. Various projects that they have completed are:
- Water wells for safe and clean water.
- Schools for the children.
- Scholarships in advanced education for the farmers children.
- Mobile clinics for health care.
- Toilets for improved sanitary conditions.
- Implementing means for other economic gain such as a corn mill or teaching the women to make soaps and batiks.
The Kuapa Kokoo appear to greatly engage the farmers as well. They have an annual meeting. Many of the members hold positions in the organization. They also have internal reviews with a remediation process for farmers if needed.
As many of you know I did spend some time Ghana and I can tell you that every single one of these projects is ‘gold’ to any community that receives it. By the farmers participating in the entire process and owning part of the company they are truly receiving the rewards of Divine Chocolates. Below is a movie that I obtained from the Divine Chocolates YouTube Channel. I hope you are least take the time to experience their chocolate when you find some. It is always extra sweet knowing where it came from.
If you are interested in buying Divine Chocolate’s you can visit them here.
Enjoy!
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Like allot of people, I love chocolate. I love companies that are socially responsible and find ways to give back. It is a win win for everyone. I will be giving Devine Chocolate a try.
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Hi Susan, Nice to see yo here again. Companie like this are definitely a breath of fresh air and I eally enjoy the care that goes into their product.
This is awesome! So wonderful that you are bringing awareness to the details of the industry! Many only know about chocolate on a surface level from what they see in ‘showcase’-type stores and factories–very few have an understanding of the origins and makings of it beyond that point. I will definitely check out Divine Chocolates–thanks so much for sharing this info!
Thanks for coming by! Fine chocolate is something that has been fun to continually explore since I discovered it.