Fedco | Valrhona Chocolate

Ghana

Tarkwa, Western Region
5°19’24.9”N
1°48’52.9”W

Cocoa growing in Ghana

Ghanaian cocoa, harvested from the breathtaking landscapes of Tarkwa and Assin Fosu, embodies the excellence of an ancestral tradition. Local cocoa producers work following a traditional fermentation process to reveal unique aromas that combining bitterness, spice, and earthy notes.

Villages nestled among rolling green hills and winding rivers offer an idyllic setting for cocoa growing. In this picturesque part of Ghana, where grassy slopes meet azure sky, cocoa is a vital economic resource. But it is also much more than that. It is a precious cultural and culinary heritage that must be preserved for future generations.

Despite its traditional methods, Ghanaian cocoa is sought after worldwide, making Ghana one of the world's largest cocoa producers. Each bite of chocolate from this region is a celebration of the authenticity and terroir of this emblematic land.

A long term partnership with Fedco

Founded in 1997, our partner FEDCO is one of Ghana's leading cocoa buyers, sourcing cocoa from over 50,000 farmers across the country. The company places farmers at the heart of its ambitions, working to improve livelihoods and protect the environment. Valrhona has been working with FEDCO since 2013.

Our cocoa comes exclusively from two districts: the Assin Fosu district and the Tarkwa district, where there are eleven cocoa-producing communities around Tarkwa : Wassa Nkran, Pieso, Atwereboanda, Aboso Layout, Bonsawire, Damang, Boamah, Huni-Valley, Esuoso, Abekakrom, Gyantekrom.

Social and environmental commitments

FEDCO supports producers via a team of technicians who offer training in good agricultural, social and environmental practice in order to improve plantations’ productivity and quality. Since 2017, Valrhona and FEDCO have conducted a large-scale program to improve educational conditions in the 11 communities.

8years Partnership

Partnership signature : 2016 - renewed in 2023 for 3 years

LBC Licensed Buying Company

Type of organization

1,978 Producers

dedicated to Valrhona in 2023

Our social and environmental actions together

2016

Financing of a community center for events and training in Wassa Nkran, including a library and ICT center

2017 - 2022 : access to Education Program

Launch of a five-year access to education program in the communities of the Tarkwa district. Tripartite program between the Ghanaian Ministry of Education, FEDCO, and Valrhona.
- 5 schools built (1 kindergarten, 2 primary schools, and 2 junior high schools)
- 2 primary schools renovated
33 classrooms, 4 equipped computer centers. Each school has toilets with wells and septic tanks.
1600 students benefit from the newly renovated and built schools

More info on this program

2022 : producer support program

Financing of Aboboyas, a motorized 3-wheeled scooter to support logistics for cocoa producers
Cocoa and shade tree distribution
Income diversification project launch:
o Creation of rabbit and agouti farms
o Soap making project

2023 - combatting child labor

Our partner Fedco is setting up two Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation Systems (CLMRS) in the Tarkwa and Assin Fosu districts, following the methodology of the International Cocoa Initiative. These are designed to raise awareness of child labor among local communities, identify and solve cases of child labor, and monitor progress.

Our policy to combat child labour

The impact

7 schools

built or renovated

33 classrooms

1,600 children

benefitting from the new schools

Find FEDCO cocoa in

Sweet Spices

Single Origin

Nyangbo 68%

Nyangbo, Single Origin Ghana*, a Valrhona dark chocolate Grand Cru with sweet spice, slightly roasted and sweet vanilla notes, with *cocoa beans from the Tarkwa and Assin Fosu districts (Ghana)