Cacao-Trace is a unique, mutually-beneficial program that builds upon the farmers’ local knowledge and expertise and empowers them to be more productive and sustainable. By helping farmers increase the value of their cocoa, quality chocolate will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Going forward, we plan on gradually extending this program – currently active in Vietnam and Ivory Coast - to other countries in South East Asia, West Africa and South America.
Cacao-Trace – Improving lives by improving practices
Cacao-Trace answers directly to the need for a more sustainable and transparent cocoa supply chain. Its uniquely holistic combination of environmental, financial and human-centered initiatives is designed to improve the lives and practices of cocoa farmers. Cacao-Trace’s emphasis on quality, education and training empowers farmers to elevate their skills to become even more productive and sustainable, ensuring that chocolate will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Chocolate producers and consumers alike can be assured that Cacao-Trace stands for quality, traceable, sustainable cocoa beans. Continuous improvement is embedded into the program and validated through independent, third-party audits.
Empowering cocoa farmers through education & training
Education and training are at the heart of Cacao-Trace’s activities. Technical support and coaching, delivered on the farms and in Cacao-Trace post-harvest centers, helps cocoa farmers increase both their yields and the quality of their beans. By working alongside them to further professionalize their farm management skills and environmental protection techniques, Cacao-Trace empowers cocoa farmers to obtain the highest possible income and to manage their plantations with greater autonomy.
Adding cocoa quality into the sustainability formula
Similar to other sustainability programs, Cacao-Trace contributes to a sustainable supply chain through best practice environmental, financial and human-centered approaches. Beyond that, it is also a mark of quality. Cacao-Trace teams work closely with farmers to carefully control the fermentation and drying process, a vital step to ensuring superior cocoa beans. This support allows farmers to focus more time on caring for their plantations, improving skills, productivity and quality. The result is a win-win. Farmers deliver better yields while chocolate producers are assured of higher quality beans for great tasting chocolate.
Seriously delicious chocolate from fermentation masters
When it comes to flavour and taste, Cacao-Trace chocolate offers what other sustainable chocolate products often do not. This is due to the program’s intense focus on the post-harvest process, and other factors such as soil, climate and the genetic variety of the bean. As with wine-making, fermentation is an essential stage in developing the flavour potential of each cocoa bean. Mastering this process ensures that only the highest quality beans become delicious Cacao-Trace chocolate.
An extra bonus when you buy Cacao-Trace chocolate
When you buy Cacao-Trace chocolate products you are supporting the long-term supply chocolate while directly helping to reduce poverty levels of cocoa farmers. For every kilo of chocolate purchased, Cacao-Trace pays a “Chocolate Bonus” of $0.05 back to farmers. This simple and transparent payment system is unique in that 100% of the Chocolate Bonus reaches farmers through the Next Generation Cacao Foundation. It creates a mutually-beneficial relationship throughout the supply chain, from the farmer growing the cocoa beans to the chocolate producer and distributor through to chocolate lovers around the world.
Building confidence through supply chain transparency & traceability
By purchasing Cacao-Trace chocolate you are helping better the lives of cocoa farmers and their families. Controlled separation of Cacao-Trace cocoa from other cocoa beans throughout the supply chain – all the way from harvesting through to processing – guarantees the physical traceability of all Cacao-Trace cocoa. Chocolate lovers and producers can be confident that every delivery of Cacao-Trace cocoa beans is validated and registered.
