There's A Lot to Making Chocolates

Chocolate products has been around since 1500 BC with the Olmecs in Latin America. Their knowledge was passed onto the Mayans, who had a drink from the cacao tree called “bitter water” although it was a common and enjoyable liquid refreshment. Later, the Aztecs prized it as currency. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution, when cocoa butter was squeezed from the cocoa bean, that chocolate was formed into bars and nougats as we know it today.

Chocolate is more than a $100 billion dollar industry worldwide and the United States is their number 1 importer, spending 3 billion annually. Nearly 5 million tons of cocoa are grown annually around the world. And it all starts with a tiny plant.

One PRINT partner, Sulamina Chocolate, utilizes these interests to employ around 50 full-time and part-time individuals in under-resourced communities to earn a living wage or higher. Their chocolate is sourced from local fair trade farmers. They also provide seedlings of local fruits, nuts, and cocoa plants for local individuals to grow and help resource their demand.

Because there’s a lot that goes into making chocolate, they also teach classes on best agricultural practices, carpentry, business leadership, as well as making chocolate treats. For example,

2021

“a young man started working in the factory to help with maintenance. He was discouraged in previous jobs because of his lack of skills. He received some carpentry classes at Sulamina and now feels more confident to use his skills to make a difference. He’s a hard worker and just needed some training and tricks of the trade.”

2022

Sulamina works close with local farmer to source their supplies. The acquire locals nuts and fruits beyond cocoa beans.

“Cocoa farming in our region has been on the decline for years. Since our company arrived, we have built trust with one cocoa growing community to the extent that we have now enjoyed buying from this village over consecutive years. Another positive sign happened this year where the village is now delivering the cocoa to our facility (a 1-hour boat ride) rather than us making the trip. This means they are taking more ownership of the sale and getting our highest price (since we didn't have to come to them) which subsequently means the extra money goes to the boat driver from that village. It's good to see how business creates new jobs.”

Learn more about Sulamina Chocolate and donate to their cause here.