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Discover the Richness of Guadalcanal, our latest Bean to Bar Chocolate

At Radek’s Chocolate, we believe that the best chocolate starts with exceptional cacao. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a new cacao varietal that we’ve sourced from the fertile volcanic soil of Guadalcanal, an island in the Solomon Islands. We’ve crafted a luxurious 65% chocolate bar using this incredible origin, and we’re thrilled to share its unique flavours and the inspiring story behind it.

A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY

Our journey to bring you this one-of-a-kind chocolate starts with the dedicated farmers of Guadalcanal. Indigenous farmers on the island of Guadalcanal cultivate cacao as part of an agroforestry system, growing it alongside native coconut trees, tropical fruit trees, and other crops. This mixed approach allows for greater biodiversity and more sustainable farming practices, making full use of the island’s tropical climate and rich volcanic soil. But what makes this cacao truly special isn’t just the land — it’s the people. These farmers face the challenges of global warming head-on, as island communities like theirs are some of the first to experience the effects of climate change. Yet, they continue to adapt and thrive, utilising sustainable farming practices to ensure that their cacao remains both exceptional and environmentally responsible.

Our supplier, Cacao Latitudes & Makira Gold, are working closely with these farmers to help them create new economic opportunities while preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Solomon Islands. By focusing on agroforestry and promoting biodiversity, they empower farmers to cultivate cacao in a way that is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. These efforts support not only the local cacao industry but also the long-term health of the land itself.

CRAFTING QUALITY WITH CARE

The cacao from Guadalcanal is carefully fermented and dried using traditional methods, ensuring the highest quality beans. After harvesting, the cacao beans are fermented in wooden boxes for 5 to 6 days, with the beans being turned daily to ensure even fermentation. This process enhances the deep, rich flavours that will later be unlocked in the chocolate-making process.

Once fermented, the beans are dried in the sun or using solar bubble dryers, depending on the weather conditions. The drying process can take anywhere from 5-10 days, carefully reaching the ideal moisture content of 6-7%. This attention to detail in every step of the process results in beans that are full of flavour and perfectly primed for turning into fine chocolate.

BUILDING TRUST AND FAIR RELATIONSHIPS

Working with Cacao Latitudes allows us to source only the highest quality cacao from reliable and dedicated growers throughout the Solomon Islands. Our connection with these farmers goes beyond just business — it’s about respect for their craft and a shared commitment to quality.

Cacao from Guadalcanal often comes from farmers living on remote outer islands, where shipping can take weeks. To ensure the beans arrive in perfect condition, Makira Gold provides the farmers with GrainPro SuperGrainBags, a protective solution that keeps the beans safe from seawater, rain, and other potential contaminants. This level of care is something we value deeply, as it allows us to bring you cacao that is not only exceptional in flavour but also handled with the utmost attention to detail.

SUPPORTING FAIR WAGES AND LOCAL ECONOMIES

One of the core values of Radek’s Chocolate is fair pricing. By working with Makira Gold, we ensure that the farmers receive significantly higher prices for their cacao — between 75% to 200% more than the bulk market price in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. This fair trade approach directly benefits the farmers and their families, enabling them to reinvest in their farms, communities, and sustainable practices.

This commitment to fair pricing also supports local economies, ensuring that cacao farming continues to be a viable and rewarding livelihood for these farmers. By building these long-term relationships, we help create a more equitable and sustainable cacao industry.

Introducing Our 65% Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal Chocolate Bar

Now, let’s talk about the chocolate itself. Our 65% chocolate bar is a true reflection of the rich, complex flavours that Guadalcanal’s cacao offers. The flavour profile is unlike any you’ve experienced before, with notes of currants, toffee, and sweet maple. It’s a flavour that captures the essence of the island — vibrant, deep, and full of life.

Each bar of this exceptional chocolate not only provides a delicious treat for your palate but also supports the farmers who work tirelessly to grow this incredible cacao. We believe that great chocolate should not only taste good but also do good.

With each bite of this bar, you’re not just savouring the delicious fruit of Guadalcanal’s volcanic soil — you’re supporting a sustainable future for the island’s farmers and their communities, contributing to the preservation of the island’s unique biodiversity and helping create a more ethical and equitable chocolate industry.