Like other tree fruits, cacao is infused with flavours from its terroir. Its seeds are full of nutrition and when harvested, fermented and dried with craft, they reveal the unique character of their distinct origins. Since 2008, our Bean Team travels to the rarest places on earth to bring “original beans” to you. Each of our beans has a story to tell. We invite you to taste them all.
Beans of wisdom, our select tribal cacaos represent the deep history and commitment of the indigenous tribes who know—and grow—them best. Their singular tastes revive long-forgotten human experiences of living in harmony with nature. Truly exclusive, they have no peer in making a higher social or environmental impact.
HARMONIOUS
Arhuaco Lands, Colombia
SPIRITED
Selva Zoque, Mexico
No place is too high (the 1200m at which our Cusco Chuncho grows) nor too hidden (the wild Beniano that can only be reached by boat) to collect the rarest of beans. These chocolates’ flavours travel to the far reaches of the imagination.
MIGHTY
Sacred Cusco Valley, Peru
VIVID
Beni Amazon, Bolivia
These ultra rare beans (nearly extinct in the case of Piura Porcelana and Papua Kerafat upon their rediscovery) are aromatic time capsules from the earth’s remotest regions like the amazingly biodiverse Udzungwa Mountain National Park.
BRIGHT
Piura Valley, Peru
PLAYFUL
Udzungwa Park, Tanzania
Filled with nature’s abundance and diversity (from the rich landscapes of Virunga National Park to the mists of Esmeraldas’ last cloudforests) these rare beans put pure deliciousness and purposeful consumption within reach.
EARTHY
Virunga Park, Congo DR
STRONG
Virunga Park, Congo DR
GENTLE
Esmeraldas Coast, Ecuador
SILKY
Esmeraldas Coast, Ecuador
BARE
Yuna River, Dominican Republic
Every day, our Bean Team goes to extraordinary lengths—and distances—to source previously undiscovered, forgotten and tucked away cacao beans for our chocolates. They experience exciting adventures, meet indigenous tribes, and are sometimes cut-off from the outside world for weeks. The Bean Team is responsible for the direct trade with our farmers and the implementation of our One Bar : One Tree programme.
Original Beans presents an amazing cacao collection of unforgettable characters who reveal far off tales with every bite. To ensure these beans of distinction are safe from extinction, we grow a tree for every chocolate bar we sell. To date, our One Bar : One Tree programme has grown over 2 million trees. The tree planting efforts are carefully coordinated to help empower farmers and their families, and protect endangered wildlife.
