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Madagascar
Cacao Selection Felchlin

NUTRIENT-RICH SOILS FOR THE HIGHEST QUALITY CACAO

Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is not only known for its unique fauna and flora, but also for its cacao cultivation. The history of cacao in Madagascar dates back to colonial times, when the French occupied the island and introduced the cacao tree.

The natural conditions on Madagascar, the tropical climate and the fertile soil offer optimal conditions for the growth of the cacao trees. Most of the cacao is grown on small farms run by farming communities. Most of the plantations are located in the north of the island, in the Ambanja region, in the valley of the Sambirano River.

Madagascar plays a significant role in the world market as an exporter of high quality cacao, although its share is relatively small compared to other countries. The reason for this is that Madagascar cacao enjoys an excellent reputation due to its unique flavour profiles. The intense and aromatic fruit and floral notes make it one of the highest quality cacao in the world.

Facts

  • PARTNERSHIP WITH

    Sambirano SA / Cooperative Mateza (CSM) / Cooperative Bio Sambirano (COBIOS)

  • NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES OR FARMERS

    945 Families

  • TYPE OF COMPANY

    Cooperative

  • COOPERATION SINCE

    2005

  • CACAO VARIETIY

    The basis is mainly Trinitario cacao. Due to the recurring cross-breeding and evolution of cacao plants, it is difficult to determine the exact cacao variety. Our top priority is the flavour profile of the cacao.

Felchlin in Madagascar

OUR PARTNER AND DIRECT COLLABORATION ON SITE

The partnership between Max Felchlin AG and Philippe Mena‘s Sambirano SA has existed since 2005. Over the past years, a friendship has developed alongside the business relationship, which makes this collaboration unique. Regular reciprocal visits to Madagascar and Switzerland underline this.

To the story

Felchlin in Madagascar

OUR PARTNER AND DIRECT COLLABORATION ON SITE

Sambirano SA works locally with the cooperatives Sambirano Mateza and Bio Sambirano, which represent around 945 farming families. They are located in the Sambirano region, which takes its name from the river of the same name that flows through the region. The cooperatives grow cacao on around 1000 hectares according to the strictest quality and sustainability criteria, which is certified by Bio Suisse and Fairtrade, among others.

Madagascar8 web
Madagascar6 web

INVESTMENT IN SOCIAL PROJECTS

In addition to the production of cacao, Sambirano SA is also committed to improving the living standards of its farmers in general and invests a large part of its profits in social projects. These are based on a 3-pillar principle.

1. achieve a better cacao price due to the high quality and organic and Fairtrade certifications.

2. to increase the second income by improving productivity and cultivating additional products, which also promote diversity. For this purpose, they even train their own agronomists who support the farmers in the implementation.

3. reducing direct expenses by subsidising school kits, energy-saving stoves and lamps, and reducing costs in the health sector.

Felchlin regularly participates in such projects and appreciates that the needs are raised locally and have a lasting effect. The most successful example of this is certainly the Salama Mateza project.

Products

Felchlin Art. No. Product name
CS88 Madagascar 64% - 72h, dark chocolate couverture, Rondo More info
CU30 Sambirano 68%, dark chocolate couverture, Rondo More info
CU62 Sambirano 68%, dark chocolate couverture, grated More info
CU29 Sambirano 40%, milk chocolate couverture, Rondo More info
CO22 Opus Lait 38% au lait de Terroir, milk chocolate couverture, Rondo More info

Note: Some products are not available in all markets. The right to make changes to the range is reserved. Liste non exhaustive.

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