The Farms: Cacao with Purpose

Our journey took us to cacao farms, where we met the families who grow the cacao. These are not monocultures; they are agri-forests, where cacao trees grow in harmony with native plants. Every tree, every leaf plays a role in maintaining the balance of life. The cacao is harvested by hand, and each farmer is paid fairly for their hard work.

From the moment the beans are harvested, they go through a careful process of fermentation and drying, done by the Arhuaco in their nearby processing facility. It’s a process done with so much love and care to ensure the beans reach our partners, Original Beans, in their finest form.

The Land and its Struggles

As we ventured into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, it was clear why this place is called the "Heart of the World." This mountain range is home to life-sustaining rivers, ancient forests, and unique species. But it’s also a place that’s rapidly changing.

Over the last 30 years, the Arhuaco have watched the land shift. Glaciers are melting, animals are disappearing, and the future of the Sierra Nevada is uncertain. If the snow caps disappear, so will the 35 rivers that rely on them. The Arhuaco have long predicted the climate crisis, and now, they are sharing their message with the world. These once-isolated people have opened their space to visitors like us to spread the word: the planet is in trouble, and we must act now.

What Can You Do?

We were deeply moved by the Arhuaco’s message: the earth is in trouble, and we need to act. The food we eat, the chocolate we buy, and the products we consume—they all have an impact.

Here’s how you can help:

✔ Research the brands you buy from—look for transparency, ethical sourcing, and sustainable practices.
✔ Support brands that work with cacao grown in agri-forests.
✔ Avoid companies with unethical supply chains.
✔ Check the ingredients—cacao should be pure. Avoid products with unnecessary additives like lecithin or vanilla.
✔ Look at the price of the chocolate—if it’s too cheap, someone along the supply chain is suffering.
✔ Use resources like the Chocolate Scorecard to learn more about the ethics behind the chocolate you consume.
✔ Choose brands that align with your values.

Ethical Chocolate Brands

We met many like-minded chocolate makers on this journey who share our values. They, too, work with Original Beans to create ethical, sustainable chocolate. If you’re looking for brands that align with your beliefs, start here:

• The Chocolatier
• Belle et Chocolat
• Moruga 100% Specialty Kakao
• Kuskaaa.cz
• Bubó Barcelona
• Philip Khoury
• Ocelot Chocolate
• More than Chocolate

More than Chocolate

At Bean and Goose, every bar we make tells a story—a story of connection to the land, the people, and the future of cacao. Chocolate is more than just a treat—it’s a responsibility.

As you enjoy your next bite of Bean and Goose chocolate, remember: you’re not just indulging in something delicious—you’re part of a movement. We are incredibly grateful to the Arhuaco for trusting us, for their teachings, and for sharing their beautiful land with us. Their message is clear: the time to act is now.

Join the Movement

If you’re part of a shop, bakery, café, hotel, or corporate business and want to join the movement towards more sustainable, ethical chocolate, we’d love to help you.

Whether you’re looking for:

🍫 Chocolate gifts
☕ Hot chocolate for cafés
🥐 Chocolate batons for pain au chocolat
🏨 Chocolate for hotel turn-downs

We can supply you with high-quality, delicious products. Plus, as official suppliers of Original Beans couverture in Ireland, we can stock your kitchen with sustainable, ethical, and delicious chocolate.

📩 Get in touch with us at natalie@beanandgoose.ie to explore how we can work together to make a positive impact.

Let’s be the change.

Karen & Natalie
Bean and Goose Chocolate