Divine Chocolate

www.divinechocolate.com

In autumn 1998, Divine, the first ever Fairtrade chocolate bar aimed at the mass market was launched onto the UK confectionery market. In a new business model, the co-operative of cocoa farmers in Ghana own shares in the company making the chocolate bar.

Farmers in Ghana pooled resources to set up Kuapa Kokoo, a farmers' co-op, which would trade its own cocoa, and thus manage the selling process more efficiently than the government cocoa agents. Kuapa Kokoo - which means good cocoa growers - has a mission to empower farmers in their efforts to gain a dignified livelihood, to increase women's participation in all of Kuapa's activities, and to develop environmentally friendly cultivation of cocoa.

"....for a really good balance between price and performance look out for Divine's Fairtrade 70% dark chocolate - very fruity, with a good texture and a long finish..." Charles Campion, The Independent March 2008

What I learned that was special:
• The Divine Chocolate Ltd Board meets four times a year and one of those meetings is held in Ghana.