ADVERTORIAL
KAKAWA
ARTISAN CHOCOLATE
FLOORTJE HOETTE FROM PRODUCED IN KENT CAUGHT UP WITH JOHN JEFFREY ( OR JJ ), FOUNDER & CEO OF KAKAWA ARTISAN CHOCOLATE TO TALK ABOUT THEIR QUEST TO BE CARBON NEUTRAL IN 2022 .
Kakawa is the word for cocoa beans used by the Olmec civilisation which lived around 1,000 BC , long before the Aztecs and Maya , in the East of Mexico . Kakawa Artisan Chocolate make over 200 delicious artisan chocolate products at the Factory Outlet at Brogdale Farms . Started by founder JJ , Kakawa is aiming to be recognised as the industry leader within the UK independent chocolate market . Kakawa ’ s milk chocolate has a minimum of 37.5 % cocoa solids , it is a rich milk chocolate with high cocoa butter and milk content , smooth texture and perfect rheology .
Explain how Kakawa started its net-zero journey – what made you take action and where are you now ?
Right from the start , we ’ ve been very conscious about our carbon footprint . Obviously we have to import our main raw ingredient so it was important to us that we did this as conscientiously as possible , and did what we could during our end of production to reduce our carbon footprint . Nearly all of our packaging is recyclable , and all of our onsite waste is recycled where possible . Our products are made to order , which ensures there is very little to no waste produced .
How can the Kent local food and drink sector work together to convince the customer that sustainable is best ?
Education is key , questioning the provenance of the products you buy , and spending slightly more on those items , will help not just the local economy and community , but also the planet .
In terms of living sustainably , what does your ideal society look like ?
In my ideal world we would be utilising the natural elements around us , for example , rainwater irrigation systems and public conveniences , and the use of solar / wind turbines to generate heat and power . Being based at the heart of the national fruit collection , harvesting power through such means would be beneficial to not only the local surroundings , but to the farm itself , along with the community and the businesses within Brogdale Farm - both from a cost-saving and a sustainability perspective .
Cocoa does not grow in the UK ( yet !). How do you make sure that your supply chain is sustainable ?
We work with a supplier initiative who have a commitment to ensuring our cocoa is produced sustainably . By trading with the initiative , we help to improve the livelihood of cocoa farmers in West Africa ( where 90 % of the world ' s cocoa is grown today ) and increase the proportion of sustainable cocoa grown in the regions they manage .
To find out more about Kakawa Artisan Chocolate and book your own chocolate making workshop visit kakawaartisan . com .
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