Ethical cacao can add value

Scottish producer makes trip to Peru

A SCOTTISH chocolate maker made his way to the mountains of Peru last month where he met with the farmers who produce the organic cacao which ends up in stores at home.

Gower (fifth from left) made the trip to Peru to meet the farmers behind cacao used in Chocolate Tree.

Alastair Gower of Edinburgh-based producer Chocolate Tree made the journey to meet those behind the cacao used by the firm, having purchased their 2016 harvest.
Chocolate Tree currently sells a range of luxury chocolate bars with flavours including Bergamot & Raspberry, Orange & Amaretti, Chai Spice, Coconut Milk and Whisky Nibs.
Gower reckons demand for premium, ethically-sourced chocolate products is on the rise in Scotland.
“The market for chocolate in Scotland has been changing and evolving for some time.
“It’s been through a luxury phase, and an ethical phase, with consumers willing to pay more for fairtrade and organic certificates,” he said.
“Looking ahead I believe the Scottish market for chocolate will be driven by companies like ours who can really deliver on genuine ethical transparency and at the same time really excellent flavours and exciting innovative packaging.”