Forastero is the predominant cocoa variety. It is mainly cultivated in Africa, but also in Central and South America. It accounts for around 80% of global cocoa production. Forastero grows faster and gives a higher yield than other cocoa varieties. The beans have a strong, earthy flavour. Generally, bulk cocoa beans come from Forastero trees. Well-known Forastero subspecies are Amelonado and Nacional. Nacional trees in Ecuador produce fine flavour cocoa. Don’t just take our word for it, with Fairtrade Minimum Price, all prices and costs are carefully audited and monitored by FLO-Cert who ensure that all production is sustainable and safeguarded from market fluctuations allowing for stable incomes and price protection for farmers and workers. As a consequence, British exports of food and drinks to EU countries have declined. In 2021, all food and drink exports to EU decreased, -18.5% compared to 2019 and -12% compared to 2020. Specifically, in the case of chocolate, it was observed that exports of British chocolate were down 18.5% in the first half of 2021 in relation to 2019. Chocolate imports from EU countries to the United Kingdom have also been affected, and it is expected that they will deteriorate further in 2022 after the UK’s full customs procedures are in place. Additionally, EU re-exports of cocoa beans to the UK will likely fall due to the decline in chocolate manufacturing in the UK and the trade barriers caused by Brexit. Between 2017 and 2021, the share of cocoa bean imports supplied directly by cocoa producing countries increased by 10%. In 2017, an estimated 65% of cocoa beans were sourced directly, growing to a share of 75% in 2021. The largest cocoa producing suppliers are Ivory Coast and Ghana, which accounted for 73% of total UK cocoa bean imports in 2021. France, a non-cocoa producing country, accounted for another 25% of British imports.

I’m Oli, co-owner of Seed and Bean. It’s been just over 6 months since we launched in over 200 Sainsbury's stores across the UK, but getting to that point took 5 years! Once the Banana Bread has cooled. Drizzle the icing over the banana bread. Sprinkle over chopped nuts and small pieces of Seed and Bean chocolate.

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Behind every bar of chocolate there are globally six million people who depend on growing cocoa for their livelihoods? The Message: Along with the chocolate bar, a personalised note was included. It succinctly conveyed how, just as Seed & Bean transforms raw ingredients into a work of chocolate art, Hartz AI can metamorphose raw business data and processes into a streamlined, efficient operation. In many European markets, health and wellness have become a priority, resulting in consumers increasingly looking for healthier product alternatives. A large number of consumers claim that chocolate needs to be tasty and healthy. As a result, there has been an increasing demand for sugar-free options, vegan (raw) chocolate, dark chocolate and chocolate products with ingredients that are perceived as healthy, while some consumers have also chosen to limit their consumption of traditional chocolate. Especially the growing demand for darker chocolates may be interesting for exporters of cocoa beans, as these products demand a larger percentage of cocoa. The trend for healthier chocolate will likely only develop further. The ingredients incorporated in chocolate assist in increasing the blood flow to the brain that ultimately results in better brain functioning like prolonged attention span, the capability of solving problems and performing various tasks, increased reaction time, and enhanced memory. These benefits help older people in controlling mental decline and managing their short-term memory. The initial taste is very sweet, akin to a hit of sherbet. As that settles down, the lavender gently eases its way through, gently flowing with the flavours of the smooth, rich, and earthy cocoa. There's a hint of bitterness but the overall flavour profile never veers too close to the edge. Segments of the lavender dark chocolate bar

The United Kingdom is the fifth-largest cocoa bean importer in Europe. Imports decreased in 2021 due to the effects of Brexit and COVID-19. The country’s exports of chocolate products are also registering decline. On the other hand, the share of imports sourced directly from cocoa producing countries is increasing. This provides opportunities for cocoa bean exporters. The United Kingdom is 1 of the largest chocolate-consuming countries in EuropeFor example, Barry Callebaut has created its own patented fibre blend for sugar reduction up to 30%. Additionally, the United Kingdom has led the vegan chocolate market in terms of innovation, as a large array of vegan chocolate options have been launched in recent years. Some examples of UK companies producing vegan chocolate are Hip Chocolate, Fellow creatures and Plamil organic chocolate. Examples of UK companies offering sugar-free chocolates include Free’ist and The Lite Chocolate Company. Preference for ethical consumption shapes the British chocolate market