Monsoon Chocolate

Mesquite 45% White Chocolate Bar

Single Origin Ecuador

The cocoa butter in this bar is pressed from fine flavor cacao in the country of origin by Camino Verde, just outside of Duran, Ecuador. Monsoon adds organic sugar, organic milk powder, organic butter, and ground mesquite pod from the San Xavier Cooperative Farm. This bar contains the same amount sugar content as a 70% Dark Chocolate.

Tasting notes: caramel, toasted nuts, sweetgrass

Winner: 2019 International Chocolate Awards Americas, Silver

Esmeraldas Ecuador 40% Milk Chocolate Bar

Origin Milk Series

Costa Esmeraldas is a relatively young family-owned, single estate farm that is operated entirely by the Salazar family. Located in the Esmeraldas province of Ecuador, a region not traditionally known for fine flavor cacao, the farm has reclaimed land once occupied by cattle pastures. The Salazars have collaborated with cacao expert Dan O’Doherty on the farm design and the post-harvest facility.

Tasting notes: hints of clover honey

Bejofo Estate Madagascar 64% Dark Milk Chocolate Bar

Full & Rich

Bejofo Estate is an organic cacao orchard that is part of the larger Akesson Estate in northwest Madagascar’s Sambirano valley. Managed by Bertil Akesson, who has specialized in growing fine cocoa, pepper, and other spices for many years, Bejofo Estate produces 300 tons of cocoa a year. The cocoa has been designated as certified “Heirloom” by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Initiative (HCP).

Tasting notes: chocolate malt, candied lemon, hojicha latte

2021 Good Food Award Winner

Monsoon Chocolate Kokoa Kamili Tanzania 55% Milk Chocolate Bar

From the Kilombero Valley

Kokoa Kamili is a central fermentary that works with approximately 1500 small shareholder farms in the Kilombero Valley of Tanzania, most of whom range in size from just 0.5–2 acres. In an area that historically received some of the lowest prices for cocoa in the country, Kokoa Kamili is now paying a premium well above market rate to the farmers for wet cacao, and controlling the post-harvest processing themselves. This results in higher compensation and a reduced workload for the farmers, and ultimately produces a more consistent, high quality product.

Tasting notes: fudgesicle, buttermilk waffles

Ucayali Peru 60% Dark Milk Chocolate Bar

Outside of Pucallpa

Ucayali River Cacao is a central fermentary that works with nearly 400 cocoa farmers along the Ucayali River outside of the Peruvian city of Pucallpa. The region has long and complex history of narco-trafficking and the presence of the Shining Path militant group. Ucayali River Cacao has partnered with USAID and Alianza Peru to offer a premium for wet cacao, giving local farmers access to an alternate market to narcotics.

Tasting notes: chocolate phosphate, yogurt covered raisins & apricot

Semuliki Forest Uganda 38% Milk Chocolate Bar

Smooth & Rich

Latitude Trade Company is a Ugandan registered social enterprise owned and managed by Jeff Steinberg, that purchases wet cacao from over 500 small holder farmers in several communities in the district of Bundibugyo, in the subnational kingdom of Rwenzururu. Our friend Dan O’Doherty designed the fermentation facility and helps us purchase the dried cocoa beans. The company is helping raise the quality of agricultural products in the region, re-defining the origin reputation, and increasing smallholder farm incomes.

Tasting notes: hints of vanilla & maple