After the successful introduction of their Cacao-Trace sustainable cocoa-sourcing programme in Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire and the Philippines, Puratos is now launching Cacao-Trace in Papua New Guinea.
The program seeks to adapt and standardise the cocoa bean fermentation process in around 60 locally owned post-harvest centres in the region.
“By controlling the local fermentation process, Puratos is able to increase the quality of cocoa beans significantly. The result is chocolate with an exceptional taste,” Puratos says.
With the basics of the program now in place, the company seeks to monitor and improve in line with the Cacao-Trace guidelines.
“In the six months that it has been running,” Puratos says, “the programme has already had a very positive impact on the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.
“As a next step, the Chocolate Bonus will be implemented. This will improve the benefits for the communities even further. Finally, the centre will be organically certified, resulting in a unique and sustainable organic chocolate.
“As it rolls out, the Puratos Cacao-Trace sustainable cocoa sourcing programme is proving, in each territory, that it is good for the future of chocolate, for the environment and for the local cocoa growers.”
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