*Organically grown or produced.<\/p>\n
(1) 81% of the total agricultural ingredients are Fair Trade certified according to the Fair for Life and FiABLE standards. More information at fairforlife.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n May contains nuts.<\/strong><\/p>\n (2) The proportion of our origins may vary, depending on the harvest.<\/p>\n Store away from moisture and heat, between 15 and 18\u00b0C.<\/p>\n","detail":{"label":"","value":"0"}},{"title":"Tempering","active":false,"content":" Melting T\u00b0 : 45\u00b0C \u2013 50\u00b0C<\/p>\n Crystallisation T\u00b0 : 27\u00b0C \u2013 28\u00b0C<\/p>\n Using T\u00b0 : 29\u00b0C\u2013 30\u00b0C<\/p>\n","detail":{"label":"","value":"0"}},{"title":"","active":false,"content":"","detail":{"label":"","value":"0"}}],"logos":[{"image":6316},{"image":1055}],"indications":[{"text":"no vanilla"},{"text":"no lecithins"}],"recipes":{"title":"NOS RECETTES PHARES","recipes":"","button":{"label":"","link":""}},"content_two_col-2":{"":null,"title":"","subtitle":"","content":"","text_position":"left","bg_active":false,"image":false,"btn_label":"En savoir plus","btn_link":""},"content_two_col-1":{"":null,"title":"","subtitle":"","content":"","text_position":"left","image":false,"btn_label":"en savoir plus","btn_link":""},"content_main":{"title":"THIS CHOCOLATE PROTECTS FORESTS","subtitle":"#STOP D\u00c9FORESTATION","content":" Did you know that cocoa could be responsible for deforestation? It\u2019s true, but not at Kaoka! Our direct link with the producers means we can control the full traceability of our cocoa and put in place effective solutions with them to guarantee you\u00a0deforestation-free cocoa<\/a>.<\/p>\n Kaoka chocolates are made with 100% cocoa from our programs: Ecuador, Sao Tom\u00e9, Peru and the Dominican Republic. This choice enables us to ensure that the cocoa we use is of the highest quality, grown with respect for the environment and biodiversity, and truly remunerative for our partner producers.<\/p>\n"},"cards":{"cards":[{"title":"3 108","bg_color":"light","content":" partner growers in 2023 in S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9<\/p>\n","icon":"","image":false,"btn_label":"","btn_link":""},{"title":"86 881","bg_color":"light","content":" cocoa plants grafted and distributed to our partner growers since 2020 in S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9<\/p>\n","icon":"","image":false,"btn_label":"","btn_link":""},{"title":"232 ha","bg_color":"light","content":" of plantations renovated since 2020 in S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9<\/p>\n","icon":"","image":false,"btn_label":"","btn_link":""}],"inline":true},"video":{"id":"kGp0-wGtunw","btn_label":"Discover the CECAB cooperative in S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9","btn_link":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/en\/areas\/sao-tome\/","btn_style":"green"},"content_two_col":{"":null,"title":"OUR KNOW HOW","subtitle":"At Kaoka, nothing is left to chance","content":" Thanks to its integrated programs\u2019 model, Kaoka is present at all stages (from the selection of varieties to the preparation of chocolate recipes) to guarantee the highest quality chocolates with exemplary traceability.<\/p>\n","text_position":"left","bg_active":false,"image":6352,"btn_label":"En savoir plus","btn_link":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/en\/our-expertise\/"},"cover_image":{"title":"","display_button":false,"image":14753},"section_featured_products":{"title":"#VOUS AIMEREZ AUSSI","products":[{"ID":8282,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2021-08-01 10:25:58","post_date_gmt":"2021-08-01 10:25:58","post_content":"","post_title":"Milk 37% - Mikolo","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"milk-37-mikolo","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-05-06 07:32:10","post_modified_gmt":"2025-05-06 07:32:10","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/professionnels\/%products_type%\/lait-37-mikolo\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"products_pro","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9301,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2021-08-01 10:22:10","post_date_gmt":"2021-08-01 10:22:10","post_content":"","post_title":"Lait 32% - Assemblage - Mikolo","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"lait-32-assemblage-mikolo","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-04-02 10:36:38","post_modified_gmt":"2026-04-02 10:36:38","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/?post_type=products_pro&p=9301","menu_order":0,"post_type":"products_pro","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":8288,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2021-08-01 10:10:26","post_date_gmt":"2021-08-01 10:10:26","post_content":"","post_title":"Milk drops 36%","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"milk-drops-36","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-05-06 07:33:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-05-06 07:33:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/professionnels\/%products_type%\/lait-36\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"products_pro","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":8284,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2021-08-01 10:20:56","post_date_gmt":"2021-08-01 10:20:56","post_content":"","post_title":"White 35% - Ankha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"white-35-ankha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-05-06 07:32:48","post_modified_gmt":"2025-05-06 07:32:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/professionnels\/%products_type%\/blanc-35-ankha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"products_pro","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":8280,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2021-08-01 10:30:19","post_date_gmt":"2021-08-01 10:30:19","post_content":"","post_title":"Dark 58% Blend - Anthikao","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"dark-58-anthikao","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-05-06 07:31:58","post_modified_gmt":"2025-05-06 07:31:58","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/professionnels\/%products_type%\/noir-58-anthikao\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"products_pro","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":15252,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2021-08-01 10:32:38","post_date_gmt":"2021-08-01 10:32:38","post_content":"","post_title":"Dark 60% Blend- Chips","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kaoka-professional-couverture-dark-chocolate-60-fair-trade-organic","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-07-24 09:33:20","post_modified_gmt":"2025-07-24 09:33:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/professionnels\/%products_type%\/kaoka-chocolat-noir-professionnel-de-couverture-60-bio-equitable\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"products_pro","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":8276,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2021-08-01 10:40:45","post_date_gmt":"2021-08-01 10:40:45","post_content":"","post_title":"Dark 66% S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 - Tchiloli","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"dark-66-sao-tome-tchiloli","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-05-06 07:30:51","post_modified_gmt":"2025-05-06 07:30:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/professionnels\/%products_type%\/noir-66-sao-tome-tchiloli\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"products_pro","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},"section_latest_news":{"title":"#THE LATEST NEWS","news":[{"ID":16349,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2025-07-03 11:38:40","post_date_gmt":"2025-07-03 11:38:40","post_content":"Since 1 January 2025, the system for importing organic products into the European Union has been redefined by a new organic regulation. This regulation standardises the rules and quality standards between imported products and those produced in the European Union. One of the main changes concerns the certification of growers groups, which will have to undergo significant organisational and legal changes in order to continue exporting to the European market.\r\n\r\nThese necessary changes come at a difficult time<\/strong>: rising costs due to inflation, price pressure, and declining sales of organic products to Europe. This additional adjustment is all the more difficult for small cocoa and coffee growers organisations, which are already facing the requirements of the European regulation against imported deforestation.\r\n\r\nCompliance with the new organic regulation (EU) 2018\/848 also has financial implications for the value chain, linked to increased certification costs.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n Why are we telling you this? Because it is what allows us to get to know the realities on the ground, to exchange information on a daily basis with our growers partner organisations of and to set up long-term sustainable projects together.<\/p>\r\n[memo title=\"Note\" text=\"Close relathionship allowed us to realize early on the scale of the deforestation problem. Without waiting for Europe to force us to react, we had taken the initiative and started working on our Zero Deforestation methodology long before the European regulations were introduced.\"]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15869\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"653\"]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/foret-perou.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Plantation-cacao-agriculture-biologique-Perou\"](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Plantation-cacao-agriculture-biologique-Perou.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe objectives of the new European organic regulation (EU) 2018\/848 are to encourage the sustainable development of organic production in the EU, ensure fair competition for EU farmers and operators, prevent fraud and unfair practices, and improve consumer confidence in organic products.\r\nFor third countries, it brings a fundamental change to the regulatory approach, moving from the principle of equivalence to the principle of compliance.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\nFrom the principle of equivalence to strict compliance<\/h2>\r\nTo support organic production of raw materials in third countries and promote their import into the EU, the previous European regulation provided for an equivalence system. Following trade agreements, some countries were recognised as \u2018equivalent countries\u2019. In other countries, inspection and certification were the responsibility of independent control bodies recognised by the European Commission, based on their own organic standards applicable in third countries, which were consistent with organic farming and equivalent to the regulations.\r\nFrom now on, with the new European regulation, third-country growers will have to comply exactly with the same rules as EU growers.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[memo title=\"Note\" text=\" 70% of the EU's organic cocoa imports are produced and certified by small groups of cocoa growers.\"]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
New requirements for third-country operator groups<\/h2>\r\nA wide range of organic raw materials for the European market are mainly produced by small farmers in third countries who are certified as organic \u201c growers\u2019 groups\u201d.<\/strong>\r\nIn order to overcome the administrative complexity for small growers to obtain certification in their own name, the previous European Regulation No. 834\/2007 provided for group certification, which allowed cooperatives to hold the certification. The latter were required to set up an internal control system (ICS). This internal control system was verified by third-party certification bodies, which also carried out visits to around 2% of growers.\r\n\r\nMajor changes have been made by the new European Regulation No. 2018\/848 in terms of group certification.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nEach group of operators must now meet the following criteria in order to be certified:\r\n
\r\n \t
The consequences for small growers<\/h3>\r\nGrowers who farm more than 5 hectares or have a turnover of more than \u20ac25,000 will have to obtain certification in their own name in order to continue exporting their organic cocoa to the EU. However, these criteria, established in 2018, are no longer appropriate in the current context, particularly with regard to turnover. For more than a year now, cocoa prices have been very high, meaning that growers with high-yield plantations are quickly reaching this threshold.\r\n\r\nThis poses a twofold problem. On the one hand, these exceptional price levels exclude growers from cooperative certification. However, growers' situations can change from one year to the next (poor harvests, falling cocoa prices), making them eligible once again for group certification.\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, faced with administrative complexity, a large number of growers exceeding these criteria may choose not to seek certification and to sell their cocoa on the conventional market, especially since the latter currently offers attractive prices. A grower who abandons organic certification will have to re-enter a three-year conversion cycle if they wish to be certified as organic again.\r\n\r\n \r\n
The consequences for growers' groups<\/h3>\r\nTo maintain their organic certification, cooperatives also face cumbersome administrative procedures: the need to split cooperatives into several entities to comply with the maximum number of 2,000 growers, exclusion of members who do not meet the criteria, etc.\r\nDue to a lack of support or resources, many organisations in third countries have not anticipated the new requirements of European organic regulations. If they are unable to renew their certification before 15 October 2025, they will no longer be able to export organic products to the EU.\r\n\r\nIn a context where conventional market prices are high, we are seeing a number of cooperatives withdrawing from organic certification.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
The impact on the organic market<\/h2>\r\n
Increase in certification costs<\/h3>\r\nThe new Regulation No. 2018\/848 also provides for an increase in the number of growers inspected as part of the audit for group certification, from around 2% to 5%. Auditors will also be required to take samples from plantations from 2% of growers. This intensification of controls will contribute to an increase in the number of audit days.\r\n\r\n \r\n
Example of the cocoa program in Kaoka, S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9<\/h4>\r\nEU Regulation No. 834\/2007<\/strong>\r\n
\r\n \t
\r\n \t
\r\n \t
\r\n \t
\r\n \t
Inflation in organic products<\/h3>\r\nWith the supply of organic raw materials likely to decline, prices are likely to rise. Coupled with an increase in additional costs linked to new regulations (certification costs, transfer costs, charges), we are likely to see inflation in organic products. In an already inflationary environment, will organic consumption keep pace?\r\n\r\n \r\n
Supply difficulties<\/h3>\r\nIn an environment increasingly polluted by chemical inputs, it is becoming more and more difficult to produce raw materials in organic farming that meet the required standards. Increased controls are slowing down the marketing of raw materials. This slowdown, coupled with a lack of availability of materials due to certain organic growers renouncing organic certification and the impact of climate change on harvests, is likely to cause serious supply difficulties for organic processors in France and Europe.\r\n\r\n[memo title=\"A lack of organic cocoa on the EU market is already noticeable\" text=\"-40% of organic cocoa imports into the EU between 2022 and 2024.\"]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Anticipation-reglement-bio-europeen-groupement-producteurs.jpg\")
\r\n\r\nThanks to this integrated cocoa program model, characterised by our close relationship with grower cooperatives, we have been able to support them in achieving compliance and thus anticipate the implementation of the new organic regulations.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nSources<\/em>\r\n\r\n(1) FiBL | Impact of the New EU Organic Regulation on Smallholder Value Chains and the European Organic Sector, octobre 2024<\/em>","post_title":"What adjustments are needed for the new European Union organic regulation?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"what-adjustments-are-needed-for-the-new-european-union-organic-regulation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-11-03 08:54:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-11-03 08:54:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/?p=16349","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":15866,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2025-03-07 15:11:47","post_date_gmt":"2025-03-07 15:11:47","post_content":"How is cocoa produced, and why it can be linked to deforestation? What role does deforestation play in accelerating climate change?\r\n\r\nIf you are reading these lines, there is a good chance that these environmental issues concern you as much as they concerns us. At Kaoka, a pioneering and militant organic fair trade chocolate company<\/strong>, these subjects are not just fleeting concerns: they have been shaping our actions for years.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15868\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"768\"]![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/peru-kaoka-forest.jpg\")
The wealth of the Peruvian forest (November 2023)[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWe have seen deforestation<\/strong> with our own eyes. By visiting the producing countries and talking with our partner growers. The situation is alarming. We know that behind the phenomenon of deforestation lies an economic necessity: forests are being cut down to enable population to cultivate the land and thus benefit from income to live.\r\n\r\nAt Kaoka, as you may know, we do things differently: we have set up our own cocoa programs<\/a><\/strong>, by integrating the growers' organisations into our operations. We have been working hand in hand with growers' cooperatives for over 20 years.<\/strong>\r\n![\"Deforestation](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/deforestation-ecuador-november-2023.jpg\")
Deforestation observed in Ecuador (November 2023)[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nSUMMARY<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n \t
\r\n \t
\r\n \t
\r\n\r\nHow do we at Kaoka ensure that our cocoa is truly deforestation-free?<\/h2>\r\nProving that our cocoa, grown by nearly 6,500 families of growers, is not responsible for deforestation<\/strong> is not an easy task. To take up this challenge, we asked ourselves thousands of questions: how can we get growers to take part? What is a forest? How can we verify that our 6,500 partner growers are not cutting down their forests? How can we compensate for the fact that growers cannot expand their plantations? Which areas should be protected as a priority? etc.\r\n\r\n
![\"Quote](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/citation-introduction-sebastien-balmisse-2-EN.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nTo answer all these questions, we relied on our partner growers' organisations and agroecology research organisations. Years of work and discussion have enabled us to develop a \u201czero deforestation methodology<\/strong>\u201d. Made up of several stages, this methodology has become our roadmap: it guides us to guarantee you cocoa and chocolates that are deforestation-free<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15871\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"614\"]![\"Working](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/working-meeting-in-ecuador.jpg\")
Working meeting between the Kaoka teams and the growers' organisations in Ecuador (2020)[\/caption]\r\n1 - Risk analysis by cocoa program\ud83c\udf0e<\/h2>\r\n
\u200b<\/h2>\r\nWe work in countries with very different histories and agricultural contexts. In order to determine the risk of deforestation, it was important for us to establish the situation in each Kaoka's cocoa program. Based on 10 deforestation indicators<\/strong>, this rating allows us to determine the level of risk of deforestation and thus adapt our actions in each country.\r\n\r\nThe 10 deforestation indicators used to evaluate the risk of deforestation in a cocoa program:<\/strong>\r\n
\r\n \t
![\"Step](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/stage-1-methodology-zero-deforestation-kaoka-2.jpg\")
Step 1 - Risk analysis per country[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThis risk analysis was done for the four countries with which we work:\r\n\r\n \t
![\"Risk](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/results-stage-2-zero-deforestation-kaoka-methodology-v2.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nOn 22 April 2025, the European Commission published its own ranking of countries and regions<\/a> according to three risk categories (low, standard, high).\r\n\r\nAccording to this analysis, the countries Kaoka works with are classified as follows: S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and the Dominican Republic are considered low risk, while Peru and Ecuador are considered standard risk.\r\n\r\n \r\n2 - Knowing our partner growers and their cocoa plots<\/h2>\r\nAt Kaoka, we know the names of our partner cocoa producers<\/strong>. However we lacked detailed information about their plots and their accurate mapping. To fill this gap our cooperative technicians visited each grower and together they used geolocation tools technology<\/strong>: GPS points were collected to define the boundaries of each cocoa plot. These mapped areas are called \u2018polygons<\/em>\u2019.\r\n
How are the polygons created?<\/h3>\r\n[video width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" mp4=\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/How-are-the-polygons-created.mp4\"][\/video]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhy is this geolocation step so important?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTo find out whether or not our cocoa is responsible for deforestation, we need, above all, to:\r\n
\r\n \t
![\"Quote](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/citation-kaoka-step1.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nCollecting data in the field is a meticulous process that involves thousands of pieces of information. To make this task easier, we have equipped the co-operative teams with tablets and specially designed software to simplify data entry. For our three cocoa program partners in Ecuator<\/a>, at S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9<\/a> and in Peru<\/a>, we have choosen the Trusty <\/strong><\/a>tool.\r\n\r\nIn Dominican Republic<\/a> (the only cocoa program we didn't create), our partners use their own traceability tool to collect the data, before we integrating it into our Trusty system, thus guaranteeing continuity and consistency in our traceability approach.\r\n\r\n[memo title=\"Note\" text=\" Trusty guarantees our internal traceability system: it is both verifiable and auditable, and allows us to ensure total transparency throughout the chain.\"]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15976\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"768\"]![\"Step](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/step-2-zero-deforestation-kaoka-methodology-2.jpg\")
Step 2 - Be an expert on our growers and their plots[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n3- Focus on each cocoa plot \ud83d\udd0d\ud83d\udc40<\/h2>\r\nIf we want to be sure that a cocoa was not responsible for deforestation, the first question we must ask ourselves is: In which plot or plantation was this cocoa grown in? What type of environment is it in? Was it a forest before?<\/em>\r\n\r\nWe carry out an analysis of each plot to define its condition at a given moment (initial situation) in order to monitor its development in the years to come.\r\n\r\nFor this analysis, in Ecuador, Peru and the Dominican Republic, we use the model co-developed by CIAT<\/a> and Kaoka. This model consists of five successive steps (in other words algorithmic models) thanks to the Open Source geographic software Quantum Gis<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nIn S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9, due to the insufficient quality of the satellite data, we opted for another model based on vegetation reflectance<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[memo title=\"What is reflectance?\" text=\"Reflectance refers to the ability of a surface to reflect incident light. In geography and remote sensing, it is often measured by satellite at different wavelengths, allowing the analysis of plant composition and condition. To detect deforestation, the variations in reflectance are compared between images taken at different times. Healthy vegetation has a particular reflectance, but when it is cut down or destroyed (as in deforestation), these values change. Algorithms can therefore identify these changes and indicate areas where forest cover has been reduced.\"]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15978\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"768\"]
![\"Step](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/step-3-zero-deforestation-kaoka-methodology-2.jpg\")
Step 3 - Focus on each cocoa plot[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n1. Checking and correction plot information <\/strong>\ud83e\uddf9<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nBefore diving into the analysis, we make sure that the data collected by our teams in the field (see step 1) is accurate and well organized. Each plot is assigned a unique identifier, duplicates are eliminated, the coordinates of the peaks are verified, and if any polygons overlap, we manually correct the errors. A good working basis ensures reliable results!\r\n
2. Spatial diagnosis of the plot and its environment <\/strong>\ud83d\udef0\ufe0f<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nNow, the cocoa production areas are being studied using satellite images. We don't just look at the cocoa plot itself, but also at the 600 metres around it, to make sure we don't miss anything. This security perimeter means we don't overlook important elements: such as the presence of forests, deforestation, or even protected areas around the plot.\r\n
3. Presence of protected areas and\/or indigenous territories <\/strong>\ud83c\udf33<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIn this step, the model checks whether the plot is located in a protected area or indigenous territory.\r\n
\r\n \t
4. Presence or absence of forest <\/strong>\ud83c\udf32\ud83c\udf32<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nTo ensure that the plot is not located in areas previously classified as forests over a given period (between the 31 December 2020 and 2024), we have produced a 2020 map distinguishing forest areas from non-forest areas. To make it as accurate as possible, this map compiles several national and international data sources covering this period.\r\n\r\nThe algorithm then checks these elements:\r\n
\r\n \t
\r\n \t
5. Presence or absence of deforestation <\/strong>\ud83c\udf32\u274c<\/h3>\r\nIn the final step, the algorithm checks for the presence or absence of deforestation:\r\n
\r\n \t
\r\n \t
Results and conclusion of the of the initial plot analysis ?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIn conclusion, have we been able to remove any doubt about deforestation on the plot?\r\n
\r\n \t
\r\n\r\n3A - Continue the investigation with Global Forest Watch Pro: spot the difference<\/h2>\r\nIf we have not been able to rule out the possibility of deforestation on a plot with certainty, nothing is left to chance: we conduct a more in-depth analysis<\/strong>. In concrete terms, we perform a 'spot the difference\u2019 exercise : we overlay the suspicious plot with maps showing the loss of forest cover since 31\/12\/2020, using Global Forest Watch Pro<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[memo title=\"So, why 31\/12\/2020?\" text=\"31 December 2020 has been chosen as the reference date, or \u2018cut-off date\u2019 in the EUDR. Companies must prove that their products do not come from supplies that contributed to deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020.\"]\r\n\r\n\u25b6 Find out more about the European Regulation on Zero Imported Deforestation<\/a>\r\n\r\nThe loss of forest cover is represented by coloured pixels on the Global Forest Watch Pro maps. If the analysis shows no loss of forest cover: the plot is approved<\/strong> \ud83d\udfe2. On the other hand, if a plot reveals a potential loss of forest cover, we proceed with step 3B<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15982\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"721\"]
![\"Step](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/step-3A-zero-deforestation-kaoka-methodology-2-721x1200.jpg\")
Step 3A - Spot the differences with Global Forest Watch Pro[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n3B - Explore the plot from the sky with Google Earth Pro<\/h2>\r\nIf Global Forest Watch Pro reveals a loss of forest cover on a plot, we move on to a visual check, which means that we take a little height thanks to Google Earth Pro<\/a> to \u2018explore\u2019 the plot from the sky.\r\n\r\nWe compare two satellite images: an old one, prior to 31\/12\/2020, and a more recent one, to see if the situation of the plantation and the forest has changed.\r\n\r\n
![\"Quote](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/quote-kaoka-stage-5-723x1200.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \t
![\"Step](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/step-3B-zero-deforestation-kaoka-methodology-715x1200.jpg\")
Step 3B - Explore the plot from the sky with Google Earth Pro[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\u00a03C - Looking for clues: Field verification<\/h2>\r\nIn rare cases, satellite images prove insufficient and do not guarantee the total absence of deforestation. A team of technicians then goes to the site to assess the deforestation risk after 31\/12\/2020.\r\n\r\nDuring this visit, the plot and its trees are carefully inspected. A detailed and documented report with photos is compiled at the end of each field visit.\r\n
\r\n \t
![\"Step](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/step-3C-zero-deforestation-kaoka-methodology-2.jpg\")
Step 3C - Field Verification[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n![\"Quote](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/quote-sebastien-balmisse-conclusion-2.jpg\")
\r\n\r\nToday, we are proud to share with you our rigorous and transparent methodology to guarantee you truly deforestation-free cocoa. This substantive work is the result of many months of fieldwork, carried out by our Cocoa & Sustainability Division team in collaboration with our partner grower organisations.\r\n\r\nTo help you better understand how plots are distributed across the different steps of our methodology, please refer to some key statistics at the end of this article. \ud83d\udc49See statistics<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nBetter safe than sorry, isn't it? When Kaoka promotes conservation cocoa farming<\/h2>\r\nKeeping an eye on deforestation is already a very good thing, but making sure that it doesn't happen in the future is even better! In all our cocoa programs<\/a> : Ecuador, Peru, S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and the Dominican Republic, we have implemented mitigation and regeneration measures<\/strong>. In other words, we are working hard to preserve existing forests.\r\n\r\n[memo title=\"What if we bring in new partner cooperatives?\" text=\" When we integrate new partner cooperatives, we follow the same methodology. Depending on the number of new partner growers, it can take us between 3 and 6 months of work! \"]\r\n\r\nKaoka's role is to raise awareness and train<\/strong> willing growers to mitigate the risk of deforestation<\/strong> and promote conservation cocoa farming<\/strong>. It should be noted that our partner growers retain full ownership of their land and can manage it as they wished, as long as they respect local regulation.\r\n\r\nHere are some of the actions we have implemented:\r\n
\r\n \t
![\"Implementation](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/implementation-of-kaoka-mitigation-measures-2.jpg\")
\r\n<\/h3>\r\n
Why sign conservation agreements?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThanks to research conducted by agroecology experts, we have been able to identify the most important areas to preserve<\/strong>, such as dense forests or riverbanks for their ecosystem services. This research has led the proposal of conservation agreements <\/strong>to growers. In exchange for compensation (such as organic fertilisers, reforestation or rehabilitation programmes), they undertake to protecting and enhancing local forests.\r\n\r\n
![\"Quote](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/quote-emilie-rachenne-kaoka-3.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nKeep a close eye on the deforestation<\/h2>\r\nWe have ensured that our cocoa is not produced on deforested land (after 31 December 2020). From now on, we must remain vigilant to ensure that our partner growers' plantations do not expand at the expense of forests.\r\n\r\nTo achieve this, we are implementing a monitoring system that allows us to certify the absence of current and future deforestation. It allows us to prove how Kaoka respects and implements the future European regulation<\/a> (without cheating!).\r\n\r\n \r\n
\r\n \t
![\"Kaoka](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/kaoka-monitoring-system-v4.jpg\")
Implementation of a monitoring system[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nA last word<\/h2>\r\nWe are proud to have transparently shared our Zero Deforestation methodology with you. To date*, we have registered several thousand cocoa production plots. In order to better understand how the analysis results are assigned to the various stages of our methodology, here are some statistics clues:\r\n\r\n \r\n
\r\n \t
![\"Zero](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Statistics-zero-deforestation-kaoka-2-393x1200.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWe hope that this article has given you a better understanding of the Zero Deforestation methodology of Kaoka<\/strong> and our commitment to ensuring that our cocoa is not responsible for deforestation.\r\n\r\nIf you have any questions or would like more information, you can send us your questions using our contact form<\/a>. We look forward to hearing from you!","post_title":"Zero Deforestation Cocoa : how Kaoka can guarantee this to you ?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zero-deforestation-cocoa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-04-02 23:35:30","post_modified_gmt":"2026-04-02 23:35:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/lactualite-de-kaoka\/cacao-zero-deforestation-comment-kaoka-vous-le-garantit\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":15279,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2024-11-07 09:53:37","post_date_gmt":"2024-11-07 09:53:37","post_content":"Malgr\u00e9 l'augmentation du cours du cacao<\/a>, Kaoka maintient tous ses engagements aupr\u00e8s des coop\u00e9ratives de producteurs : 100% des r\u00e9coltes sont achet\u00e9es aux producteurs tout au long de l'ann\u00e9e pour leur assurer un d\u00e9bouch\u00e9 p\u00e9renne et un avenir serein, avec un pr\u00e9financement int\u00e9gral<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nOn vous explique tout dans cette vid\u00e9o :\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/XAH3TAcFLKw?feature=shared\r\nPr\u00e9financer les r\u00e9coltes de cacao : Un engagement Kaoka qui fait toute la diff\u00e9rence<\/h2>\r\nAlors que de nombreuses coop\u00e9ratives se sont retrouv\u00e9es en difficult\u00e9s face \u00e0 la hausse des cours<\/a>, nous avons continu\u00e9 de pr\u00e9financer 100% des r\u00e9coltes de cacao<\/strong> pour que nos coop\u00e9ratives partenaires aient la tr\u00e9sorerie n\u00e9cessaire pour acheter le cacao aux producteurs.\r\n\r\nKaoka continue de pr\u00e9financer 100% des r\u00e9coltes de cacao pour soutenir les organisations de producteurs et productrices partenaires.\r\n\r\nPour Kaoka, cette prise de risque permet de toujours vous garantir un chocolat de qualit\u00e9, vraiment \u00e9thique.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nSi vous avez besoin de pr\u00e9cisions sur ce sujet, n'h\u00e9sitez pas \u00e0 prendre contact avec nous<\/a> pour en discuter.","post_title":"Pourquoi pr\u00e9financer les r\u00e9coltes de cacao change tout ?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"pourquoi-prefinancer-les-recoltes-de-cacao-change-tout","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-04-03 12:58:03","post_modified_gmt":"2026-04-03 12:58:03","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/?p=15279","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10334,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2022-09-23 14:37:06","post_date_gmt":"2022-09-23 14:37:06","post_content":"Les toutes premi\u00e8res traces de rencontre entre l'homme et le cacao ne datent pas d'aujourd'hui mais remontent \u00e0 la pr\u00e9histoire. \u00c0 cette \u00e9poque, le cacao n'\u00e9tait pas cultiv\u00e9 de fa\u00e7on intensive; les cacaoyers poussaient naturellement dans les pays tropicaux. Les populations indig\u00e8nes avaient l'habitude de cueillir les fruits du cacaoyer pour en consommer le mucilage qui entoure les f\u00e8ves de cacao. Ce n'est qu'\u00e0 partir de l'\u00e8re pr\u00e9colombienne que les Mayas et les Azt\u00e8ques ont commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 transformer les f\u00e8ves de cacao en p\u00e2te de cacao, pour la m\u00e9langer \u00e0 d'autres ingr\u00e9dients et r\u00e9aliser une boisson chocolat\u00e9e, l'anc\u00eatre de notre chocolat chaud !\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \t
\r\n\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
D'o\u00f9 provient le cacao ?<\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10401\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"949\"]
![\"Plantation](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/plantation-de-cacao-bio-en-equateur-kaoka.jpg\")
Plantation de cacao bio en \u00c9quateur[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLe cacao provient du cacaoyer. Mis \u00e0 part qu'il est \u00e0 l'origine du chocolat, le cacaoyer est un arbre absolument surprenant.<\/strong> Du genre Theobroma (qui signifie \"nourriture des dieux\"), il s'agit d'une esp\u00e8ce tropicale end\u00e9mique originaire des for\u00eats \u00e9quatoriales au climat chaud et humide. Les cacaoyers poussent naturellement sous l\u2019ombrage d\u2019autres esp\u00e8ces v\u00e9g\u00e9tales. En effet, ils redoutent la lumi\u00e8re du soleil directe et br\u00fblante. A l'\u00e9tat sauvage, le cacaoyer peut mesurer une dizaine de m\u00e8tres. Cela peut para\u00eetre beaucoup mais nous sommes dans la for\u00eat \u00e9quatoriale, l\u00e0 o\u00f9 les arbres peuvent mesurer jusqu'\u00e0 cinquante m\u00e8tres !\r\n\r\nIls produisent des milliers de petites fleurs blanches (de environ 1 cm), dont seulement quelques-unes seront f\u00e9cond\u00e9es par des fourmis et autres insectes minuscules, et donneront un des plus gros fruits du monde. Une fois de plus, la nature est bien faite car ces fruits, nomm\u00e9s cabosses de cacao et qui p\u00e8sent \u00e0 maturit\u00e9 entre 300 et 600 grammes, poussent directement sur les branches principales de l\u2019arbre, ou directement sur le tronc.\r\n\r\n[embed]https:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/4fTLHpZLkTc?feature=share[\/embed]\r\n\r\n[memo title=\"\u00c0 savoir\" text=\"Un cacaoyer produira ses premiers fruits, les cabosses de cacao, minimum 3 \u00e0 5 ans apr\u00e8s sa plantation.\"]\r\n\r\nDe ces cabosses, sont extraites les f\u00e8ves fra\u00eeches de cacao qui seront ensuite ferment\u00e9es, s\u00e9ch\u00e9es puis torr\u00e9fi\u00e9es, concass\u00e9es et broy\u00e9es avant d'\u00eatre transform\u00e9es en chocolat.\r\n\r\nMais d'o\u00f9 vient le mot \"cacao\" ? Un peu d'\u00e9tymologie: le mot \u00ab cacao \u00bb en fran\u00e7ais est emprunt\u00e9 au 16\u00e8me si\u00e8cle au mot espagnol \u00ab cacao<\/em> \u00bb, lui m\u00eame issu du mot azt\u00e8que \u00ab cacahuatl<\/em> \u00bb. Car entre 1522 et 1560, les conqu\u00e9rants espagnols ont envahi les r\u00e9gions mayas et azt\u00e8ques et ont import\u00e9 massivement \u00e0 leur retour en Europe des fruits, des l\u00e9gumes et des plantes dont des f\u00e8ves de cacao et des cacaoyers.\r\n\r\nAujourd'hui, le terme \u00ab cacao \u00bb est usuellement utilis\u00e9 pour d\u00e9signer tous les produits issus du cacaoyer<\/strong> : cabosse de cacao, p\u00e2te de cacao, f\u00e8ve de cacao, poudre de cacao, beurre de cacao,\u00a0 etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
La production mondiale de cacao : une forte \u00e9volution pour r\u00e9pondre \u00e0 la demande<\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10364\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"804\"]
![\"La](\"https:\/\/www.kaoka.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/production-de-cacao-par-etat-et-territoire-en-2020.jpg\")
La production de cacao par \u00c9tat et territoire en 2020[\/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSi le cacao est originaire de l'Am\u00e9rique du Sud, il a \u00e9t\u00e9 introduit par les humains en Asie et en Afrique au cours du XIX\u00e8me si\u00e8cle. Le Ghana, le Nig\u00e9ria et la C\u00f4te d'Ivoire d\u00e9veloppent fortement la culture du cacao, optant pour une vari\u00e9t\u00e9 plus r\u00e9sistante que le Criollo : le Forastero. C'est ainsi que l'Afrique de l'Ouest devient au XX\u00e8me si\u00e8cle<\/a>, le nouveau leader de la production mondiale de cacao.\r\n\r\nCes derni\u00e8res d\u00e9cennies, le chocolat est devenu une des saveurs pr\u00e9f\u00e9r\u00e9es des populations occidentales et s'est retrouv\u00e9 dans de tr\u00e8s nombreux produits de consommation quotidienne (boissons, biscuits, cookies, viennoiseries, c\u00e9r\u00e9ales, m\u00fceslis, yaourts, glaces, barres et dans toute sorte de confiseries). Face \u00e0 une demande croissante, la production mondiale de cacao n'a cess\u00e9 de progresser au cours des 50 derni\u00e8res ann\u00e9es.<\/strong> Au tout d\u00e9but des ann\u00e9es 2000, l'ensemble des pays producteurs de cacao produisaient d\u00e9j\u00e0 2,8 millions de tonnes de cacao. <\/strong>Pendant les 10 ann\u00e9es qui ont suivi,\u00a0la production de cacao a connu une hausse de 40%, <\/strong>pour atteindre en 2010 la somme de 4 millions de tonnes<\/strong> produites. En 2021, la production mondiale annuelle de cacao s'\u00e9levait \u00e0 pr\u00e8s de