At Cacao & Spice, we’ve always been about more than just creating delicious chocolate – it’s about telling a story, celebrating cultures, and transforming economies.
Every bar we sell carries with it a piece of its homeland, not just through flavor but through the pride and craftsmanship of the people who made it. It’s an incredible feeling to witness the appreciation and emotion that customers express when they see chocolate from their country beautifully displayed in our shop.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of what we do is the reaction from people when they realize we carry chocolate made in the country where the cacao was grown. From Indonesia to Uganda, the Philippines to Ghana, we bring you not only the flavors of these regions but also the stories behind them. So often, the countries that produce cacao are known only for exporting raw materials.
In fact, only about 5% of the world’s chocolate is made in the country where the cacao originates. For African countries, this figure drops to a staggering 1%, even though Africa grows around 70% of the world’s cacao.
It’s a deeply rooted problem – one where the wealth generated by cacao often doesn’t stay in the country where it’s grown. Instead, it flows out to places where the chocolate is processed and packaged, typically in Europe or North America. This disconnect means that the communities who grow cacao often see little benefit from the multi-billion-dollar chocolate industry.
But we believe there’s a better way. Through our collection of origin chocolates, we’re flipping the script. These chocolates aren’t just made with cacao from countries like Ghana, India, or the Philippines – they are actually produced there. This means the jobs, income, and expertise stay within these countries, where it belongs. From cacao farming to chocolate production, to the printing of packaging, more of the value of the final product stays with the people who created it.
This is where the emotion comes in.
People are often surprised – and sometimes even moved – to see their home country represented in the shop. I’ve had customers who came in, purchased a chocolate bar made in their homeland, and later returned just to say, "Thank you for having chocolate from my country." The pride in their voices is unmistakable, and it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. These aren’t just chocolate bars – they’re ambassadors of culture and catalysts for change.
Our chocolates are more than just beautiful products; many of them have won international awards for their quality and creativity. But beyond their rich flavors and intricate wrapping, they carry a deeper meaning. Each bar supports local economies, from the smallholder cacao farmers to the chocolatiers who turn their raw product into something extraordinary.
By investing in ‘fairmade’ chocolate, we ensure that the benefits stay in the country of origin – strengthening communities, creating jobs, and fostering pride in local craft.
At Cacao & Spice, we’re proud to be one of the few chocolate shops in the Netherlands that offers this unique experience. It’s a small but meaningful way to contribute to a fairer global economy, one that celebrates the rich histories and talents of cacao-growing nations. So next time you visit our shop and see a chocolate bar from Uganda, Jamaica, or India, remember – you’re not just buying a treat for yourself. You’re supporting a movement!
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