The Banderole tells the entire Story of Cacao on the basis of the four original beans: from the origin in the Amazon (Beni Wild Harvest), to the Inca Empire (Piura Porcelana), to the invention of chocolate manufacture (Esmeraldas Milk), to the social, eco & health problems of the modern chocolate industry, & the outlook towards sustainability in the 21st Century (Cru Virunga). ...

The Banderole tells the entire Story of Cacao on the basis of the four original beans: from the origin in the Amazon (Beni Wild Harvest), to the Inca Empire (Piura Porcelana), to the invention of chocolate manufacture (Esmeraldas Milk), to the social, eco & health problems of the modern chocolate industry, & the outlook towards sustainability in the 21st Century (Cru Virunga). ...

Original Beans has been actively involved in the conservation of this rare source of 100% wild cacao for several years. Now, genetic research has shown that this ‘original bean’ is a distinct endemic variety, genetically independent from all known cacaos.   Extraordinarily, the cacao grows on “chocolatales” or “cocoa islands” dating back to a pre-Columbian civilization. During the wet season, the expert collectors, Maucaraje & Baures Indians, go out, for weeks at a time, in canoes to collect the wild beans in spots only known to them. The wild beans are so small that they require specially modified roasting. ...

Original Beans has been actively involved in the conservation of this rare source of 100% wild cacao for several years. Now, genetic research has shown that this ‘original bean’ is a distinct endemic variety, genetically independent from all known cacaos.   Extraordinarily, the cacao grows on “chocolatales” or “cocoa islands” dating back to a pre-Columbian civilization. During the wet season, the expert collectors, Maucaraje & Baures Indians, go out, for weeks at a time, in canoes to collect the wild beans in spots only known to them. The wild beans are so small that they require specially modified roasting. ...

From the ground-up Original Beans has developed the first-ever single-origin cacao from war-torn Eastern Congo. Cacao is grown in the buffer zone of Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest nature reserve & home of the last Mountain Gorillas.   Thousands of farmers are currently involved in growing organic cacao & replanting trees. Organizing sustainable cacao production in this remote, hilly landscape is challenging. Original Beans’ works with Wheels for Life foundation to deliver bikes for cacao transport, sometimes across rivers with mere tree trunk bridges. ...

At the cutting edge of the growing trend for finest top quality darker milk chocolate, Original Beans presents a sublimely blended & long-conched milk chocolate made from one of the ‘darkest’ original cacao beans. Ecuador’s ‘ Arriba’ cacao is appreciated for its superior fine flavour, but its existence is threatened by the propagation & promotion of the industrial cacao hybrid CCN51.   Original Beans’ conservation effort in alliance with small producer cooperatives in the Esmeraldas region is aimed at conserving the authentic Arriba cacao & protecting the rainforests in which this original bean thrives. ...

This incredible dark chocolate bar is made with 75% cacao & has an exciting array of flavours. Notes of apricot, raspberry & kumquat come through, along with hints of toasted pecan.' Porcelana' or white cacao was discovered by Original Beans in 2006 in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. In its original state it is very rare, with a wonderfully vibrant, fruit flavour. Original Beans' collaborate with the regional farmer's cooperative, which has brought this variety back into production. Their replanting programme continues to help local farmers make the transition from rice to cacao, which gives them more income & is better for nature. Original Beans have a passion for sustainable farming, delicious food, & the conservation of threatened rainforests...now doesn't that make this chocolate sound even more tasty? ...

This incredible dark chocolate bar is made with 75% cacao & has an exciting array of flavours. Notes of apricot, raspberry & kumquat come through, along with hints of toasted pecan.' Porcelana' or white cacao was discovered by Original Beans in 2006 in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. In its original state it is very rare, with a wonderfully vibrant, fruit flavour. Original Beans' collaborate with the regional farmer's cooperative, which has brought this variety back into production. Their replanting programme continues to help local farmers make the transition from rice to cacao, which gives them more income & is better for nature. Original Beans have a passion for sustainable farming, delicious food, & the conservation of threatened rainforests...now doesn't that make this chocolate sound even more tasty? ...

An eco-elegant Banderole combines Original Beans’ four current bars into a beautiful special gift library. The Banderole tells the entire Story of Cacao on the basis of the four original beans: from the origin in the Amazon (Beni Wild Harvest), to the Inca Empire (Piura Porcelana), to the invention of chocolate manufacture (Esmeraldas Milk), to the social, eco & health problems of the modern chocolate industry, & the outlook towards sustainability in the 21st Century (Cru Virunga). ...