2021 Partner Report: ABOCFA

ABOCFA
Ghana

 While we first developed our sourcing relationship with ABOCFA in 2017, that process was managed by Jesse Last, our cocoa sourcing manager at the time, and I had never personally been able to travel there. For the first time this October 2021, I was thrilled to travel to Ghana to meet with the ABOCFA Association Director, Stephen Ashia, and elected leadership. We were excited to hear about the beneficial impact of the new Living Impact Differential on the farm gate price for the farmers, and the even bigger impact of Taza’s specific Direct Trade quality premiums, which are in addition to the organic and fair trade premiums we pay them. Because of these added premiums, the members of the association get paid 35%+ more than other non-affiliated farmers. 

I was also able to spend some time visiting farms, and learning more about the unique post-harvest process of heap fermentation and straw mat drying that is used in Ghana, and how it contributes to the excellent chocolate-y flavor these beans are known for. I look forward to continuing to grow our business with this wonderful group of producers.

 -- Alex Whitmore, Taza CEO

Visiting ABOCFA

Our most recent in-person visit to ABOCFA was in October 2021.

*Price based on FOB terms and equal to the negotiated fixed price or to the negotiated premium plus the world market price on the day the contract is closed

**Price the individual farmer receives for their cacao prior to its further processing, packing and export. Taza's 2016 Transparency Report, "Let's Talk Price" provides an in-depth exploration of the topic