Cocoa

Cocoa was brought by the Portuguese from the lower Amazon and introduced on the twin-island state of São Tomé and Príncipe, off the coast of western equatorial Africa – today known as the ‘Chocolate Islands’. During the 19th century, Portugal became one of the world’s leading cocoa merchants, distributing cocoa products across Europe. After independence in 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe sustained a substantial degradation of cocoa plantations.

 

Chocolataria Equador wishes to boost its partner country’s economic growth and development opportunities by supporting local cocoa production.

Chocolataria Equador wishes to boost its partner country’s economic growth and development opportunities by supporting local cocoa production. We pursue quality at the source and oversee every element of the supply chain, reviving the art of fine chocolate. Our products emphasise and elevate the unique characteristics of cocoa from São Tomé and Príncipe by maintaining a close relationship with local manufacturers, further strengthened by our shared history. Guided by our principles of consistency, craftsmanship and design, we have carved a distinct niche market that continues to grow today.

Our chocolate delivers a delightful tasting experience built around the region’s unique cocoa traits and sensory profile: the notes of pure chocolate, almond, tannins and wood are specific to its terroir.

Based on the chart created by cocoa expert Martin Christy, we focus specifically on its special aromatic notes.

 

To this day, cocoa from São Tomé undergoes traditional production processes: dried in the open air and fermented in wooden boxes. Harvesting, fermentation and drying are carefully supervised and curated to preserve the characteristics of the region.