Behind every Coacoa Nova cocoa bean lies a human story, a passion passed down from generation to generation. We take you to meet the women and men who, day after day, cultivate the excellence of Beninese cocoa with exceptional dedication and know-how.

In the heart of Benin's lush plantations, we discover faces, smiles and hands that work the nourishing earth with love. These producers are the guardians of a precious tradition and the artisans of our exceptional chocolate.

"Cocoa is our heritage and our future. Every pod we harvest tells the story of our ancestors and shapes the future of our children. It's much more than a crop, it's a part of ourselves."

- Koffi Adjo, 3rd Generation Producer

Portraits of Passionate People

Discover the faces and journeys of those who bring Beninese cocoa to life, between ancestral traditions and sustainable innovations.

Martine Dossou

Martine Dossou

Localisation : Zè Region, Southern Benin | Expérience : 25 years of experience

Martine took over the family plantation after her agronomy studies. She modernized practices while preserving traditional methods. "I wake up every morning with the same passion I had 25 years ago. Seeing these cocoa trees grow is like watching my children grow up."

Réalisations :
  • Conversion to organic agriculture in 2018
  • Training of 15 young producers
  • Implementation of an efficient irrigation system
Jean and Clarisse Adébayor

Jean and Clarisse Adébayor

Localisation : Ouémé Valley | Expérience : Producer couple for 15 years

This complementary couple joins forces to sustain their plantation. Jean handles cultivation and maintenance, while Clarisse manages fermentation and drying. "Working together makes us stronger. Everyone brings their skills and our cocoa is all the better for it."

Réalisations :
  • Development of a unique fermentation technique
  • Production of fair trade certified cocoa
  • Creation of a community nursery
Young Leaders Cooperative

Young Leaders Cooperative

Localisation : Allada Plateau | Expérience : Group of 12 young producers

This cooperative brings together young farmers determined to revolutionize Beninese cocoa farming. They combine modern technologies and environmental respect. "We want to show that agriculture can be innovative and attractive for youth."

Réalisations :
  • Use of drones for monitoring
  • Mobile application for crop tracking
  • Agricultural diversification projects

A Day in the Plantations

From dawn to dusk, producers' lives rhythm with cocoa cycles and seasons.

5:30 AM Start of the day with plantation inspection
7:00 AM Manual harvesting of ripe pods
10:00 AM Pod opening and bean extraction
12:00 PM Start of fermentation in tanks
2:00 PM Plantation maintenance and cocoa tree care
4:00 PM Control round and next day planning

Traditional Know-How

Beninese producers hold precious ancestral knowledge, passed down orally from generation to generation.

Pod Reading

Knowing how to recognize perfect pod maturity by its color and texture

Mastered Fermentation

Multi-phase fermentation technique to develop complex aromas

Natural Drying

Optimal use of sun and ventilation for perfect drying

Companion Planting

Association of beneficial crops for cocoa tree health

Commitment to Sustainability

Our producers are the first defenders of the environment and sustainable development.

  • Agroecological agriculture without chemicals
  • Biodiversity preservation in plantations
  • Reasoned water management
  • Organic waste recycling
  • Use of renewable energies

A United Community

Beyond individual work, producers form a supportive community that shares knowledge and innovations.

Cocoa School

Training youth in sustainable cocoa farming techniques

Seed Bank

Conservation of traditional cocoa varieties

Health Mutual

Solidarity for healthcare access for all producers

Annual Agricultural Fair

Exchange of know-how and varieties between producers

Looking to the Future

Producers share their visions and hopes for the future of Beninese cocoa.

  • Transmission of knowledge to young generations
  • Development of local processing
  • International recognition of Beninese cocoa
  • Continuous improvement of living conditions
  • Ecosystem preservation for future generations

Meeting our producers means understanding that behind every Coacoa Nova chocolate tablet lies hard work, authentic passion and a deep commitment to quality. These women and men are the true artisans of our excellence. Their dedication, know-how and love for the land make Beninese cocoa an exceptional product, full of meaning and values.