We not only offer services to experienced farmers, but also have a strong focus on making rural life and cocoa farming more attractive for the next generation. Young women and men benefit from vocational training which provides them with new skills and perspectives in agriculture.

As conflict between generations can be an issue, we involve communities as a whole and, where necessary, set up village committees with representatives of the different interest groups.

We have gone a step further than merely supporting farmers and their organisations in improving cocoa quality. In the village-based service centres we have set up we ferment and dry the cocoa beans in controlled processes that promote quality.

This not only saves farmers time, but also creates jobs in the villages and gives chocolate manufacturers access to the best possible quality cocoa.

Climate change is affecting cocoa production more and more. The trees in many cocoa plantations are overaged and the soil depleted.

We have created tailormade services and training schemes to boost biodiversity on cocoa farms and renew old plantations.

Consumers and other stakeholders have become much more interested in the origin of their products. Are the raw materials used produced fairly and safely? Is the production ecological?

When brands and companies become involved in improving conditions at the origin, they have credible stories to share with their consumers.

Making the value chain transparently traceable back to each individual plantation is the basis for ensuring a credible procurement policy. Chocolate manufacturers can then trust their suppliers and reassure stakeholders.

We are developing a Track & Trace system with information on our suppliers, farmers and every plantation. This will allow customers or even consumers to identify whenever they want the farms where the cocoa we supply has been produced. The system will provide key information about the farmers, communities and local projects.

Obtaining direct access to cocoa producers can be challenging. We have the experience and the network to establish and manage direct sourcing partnerships to ensure quality parameters and delivery schedules as required in close collaboration with customers and suppliers.

We develop and manage specific programs adapted to local needs to strengthen our partners. The outcomes of these programs may be standard certification schemes or more individualized added value programs based on customer requirements.