When I travel to Togo next month, we’re setting out on the first steps towards establishing a small, organic, craft bean-to-bar chocolate factory near Lomé.
This initial phase is all about planning, laying the groundwork, and finding the right partners to bring this vision to life.
We’re committed to a project that not only produces exceptional chocolate but also embraces local collaboration and promotes eco and agrotourism, celebrating Togo’s rich heritage and supporting sustainable practices.
Our approach will follow a comprehensive nine-step process, ensuring that each stage—from harvesting the cocoa to the final, wrapped bar—reflects our commitment to quality and authenticity.
Keeping each step within Togo allows us to reduce our carbon footprint, enhance freshness, and connect our chocolate back to the local community and environment. Here’s an outline of the journey we’re planning:
Step 1: Harvesting
Once we’ve partnered with local farmers, we’ll collaborate on nurturing healthy cocoa saplings to prepare for sustainable, careful harvesting. Farmers use a machete or a go-to-hell (a long stick with a knife) to remove ripe pods without harming the tree, allowing new pods to grow season after season.
Step 2: Fermenting
Once harvested, the beans will be placed in traditional banana leaf coverings or perforated boxes for fermentation, a key step that unlocks the complex flavours needed for rich chocolate.
Step 3: Drying
After fermentation, beans will sun-dry for several days to develop their characteristic flavours and reduce bitterness. This drying process is essential, and it’s a technique that local partners know well, with methods that have been passed down through generations.
Step 4: Roasting
When it’s time to roast the beans, we’ll explore light, medium, and dark roasts to develop distinct flavour profiles. Roasting in-country means that we can leverage local expertise while adding another layer of authenticity to the process.
Our approach will incorporate traditional methods for cracking and winnowing, creating an engaging experience for visitors and partners alike.
This step will reveal the cocoa nibs, an essential ingredient for the next stage of production.
Step 6: Grinding & Conching
Using stone grinders, we’ll be able to turn the nibs into chocolate liquor, ready for the conching process. This step ensures that the final chocolate is smooth, balanced, and full of flavour, showcasing the unique terroir of Togolese cocoa.
Step 7: Tempering
Tempering is vital to achieving a glossy, snappable finish, and it’s here that the chocolate is prepared for moulding. We’ll aim to work with partners who share our dedication to quality and tradition.
Step 8: Moulding
Once tempered, we’ll pour the chocolate into moulds, where it will set into the final product, shaped with care and attention. This process can highlight the craftsmanship that goes into each bar, especially when paired with our local partners' knowledge.
Step 9: Packaging
We believe that packaging should reflect the story behind the product. Together with our partners, we’ll design packaging that captures Togo’s vibrant culture, making the finished bars visually appealing while protecting the quality of the chocolate within.
Building Partnerships & Fostering Agrotourism
We’re committed to building strong partnerships with local communities, farmers, and artisans who share our passion for sustainable and artisanal chocolate.
As part of this project, we’re also planning to integrate elements of eco and agrotourism, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the chocolate-making process.
Imagine experiencing the cocoa harvest, tasting the fresh pulp, or taking part in workshops on how to craft chocolate—all with a focus on sustainability and respect for local traditions.
This journey will help us find partners who are equally passionate about sharing the story of Togolese cocoa with the world.
By combining our love for quality chocolate with a commitment to the environment and local culture, we’re building a foundation that honours Togo’s heritage and promotes a sustainable, community-driven future.
We’re excited to start this journey and look forward to sharing each step with you.