What Is the Divine Chocolate Project?
Divine Chocolate is more than just a brand; it’s a movement fighting exploitation in the cocoa industry, one bar at a time. Born from the vision of Ghanaian cocoa farmers, this project champions the needs of farmers, helping them thrive and prosper while building a sustainable and fair world. It all started in the early 1990s when Nana Frimpong Abebrese, a visionary farmer and COCOBOD representative, teamed up with Twin Trading to create a farmer-owned company. The goal? To ensure farmers get fair payment, social premiums, and a real stake in the chocolate business. The result was Kuapa Kokoo, a co-operative built on Fairtrade principles, meaning “good cocoa farmer” in Twi, with a mission to empower its members and improve their livelihoods.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Divine Chocolate’s impact is impressive and inspiring. Here are some key facts that show just how powerful this project is:
- Kuapa Kokoo started with 2,000 farmers from 22 villages, all certified to sell Fairtrade cocoa.
- The farmers voted to create their own chocolate company in the UK, launching Divine as a mainstream Fairtrade chocolate brand.
- Divine turned its first profit in 2006, and by 2007, dividends were handed directly to the farmers’ co-op.
- The Body Shop donated its shares to Kuapa Kokoo, increasing the farmers’ stake to 45% of the company.
- Divine became a certified B Corporation, scoring 130.4, joining thousands of companies using business as a force for good.
- Kuapa Kokoo elected its first woman president, highlighting the project’s commitment to gender empowerment.
- Divine expanded to the US with support from Oikocredit, announced at a White House briefing by farmer Comfort Kumeah.
The Story Behind Divine Chocolate
The journey of Divine Chocolate is truly remarkable. It began with a group of Ghanaian cocoa farmers who decided to take control of their destiny by setting up their own chocolate company. Supported by Twin Trading and other NGOs, they created Kuapa Kokoo, a cooperative that put farmers first. The co-op’s motto, “pa pa paa,” means “the best of the best” in Twi, reflecting their commitment to quality and fairness. The Day Chocolate Company was launched in the UK, named in honor of Richard Day, a key supporter. The first Divine bar hit supermarket shelves, bringing Fairtrade chocolate to the mainstream market and proving that ethical consumption could be delicious and accessible.
Empowering Farmers and Communities
At its core, Divine Chocolate is about empowerment. The project ensures that farmers receive fair prices in cash, plus social premiums invested back into their communities. This approach supports education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements, making a real difference in farmers’ lives. The cooperative model also gives farmers a voice and ownership in the company, which is rare in the cocoa industry. Plus, Divine’s commitment to ethical practices extends to environmental concerns, like eliminating palm oil from their products to protect forests and wildlife. It’s a holistic approach that benefits people and the planet.
Innovations and Expansions
Divine Chocolate hasn’t stopped evolving. After establishing a strong presence in the UK, the company expanded to the US market, backed by Oikocredit. They also acquired House of Fairtrade in Sweden, broadening their support for Fairtrade artisans worldwide. On the product side, Divine launched a Dessert Bar range inspired by popular puddings—think Tiramisu, Cherry & Almond Bakewell, and Lemon Cheesecake flavors—making ethical chocolate even more tempting. These moves show Divine’s dedication to growing its impact while keeping the focus on fair trade and quality.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – by providing fair income to cocoa farmers.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – supporting sustainable agriculture and food security.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – empowering women farmers and leaders.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – creating fair jobs and business ownership.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – promoting ethical and sustainable products.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – protecting forests by eliminating palm oil use.
Why Divine Chocolate Matters Today
In a world where exploitation in the cocoa industry is still a big problem, Divine Chocolate stands out as a beacon of hope. It proves that farmers can own their products, get paid fairly, and invest in their futures. The project’s commitment to Fairtrade principles, gender equality, and environmental responsibility makes it a leader in ethical consumption. Plus, with its B Corp certification and global partnerships, Divine continues to inspire change beyond just chocolate bars. So next time you enjoy a Divine bar, remember—it’s not just premium chocolate; it’s a powerful story of fairness, community, and real impact.
