This chocolate, with its surprising flavor complexity, is made from cacao sourced from the Femmes de Virunga project. Initiated by Hilde de Beule and Original Beans, the project supports women in the conflict-ridden North Kivu region of the Congo. By promoting organic cacao cultivation and agroforestry, it creates jobs and educational opportunities for women while also contributing to the preservation of Virunga National Park, home to the last mountain gorillas.
The Bean-to-Bar chocolate manufacturer Encuentro Chocolat was founded by Candice Lelong and Antoine Vallas in Saint-André-lez-Lille, northern France. Inspired by their time in Latin America and a commitment to sustainable cacao farming, they place great emphasis on Fair Trade. Encuentro sources cacao beans directly from producers in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, and Congo. Despite being a small company, it has earned national and international recognition for its dedication to quality and close collaboration with cacao farmers. Their focus is on dark chocolate that authentically reflects the character of the cacao.
