Kindred Forest, a pioneering sustainable brand, is excited to announce the launch of its Bolivian Wild Beniano Cacao chocolate bar, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to promote biodiversity and rainforest conservation. As the first UK company to directly import the highly prized Beniano cacao beans, Kindred Forest is proud to collaborate with wild cacao pioneer Volker Lehmann in bringing this rare chocolate from the Amazonian “cacao forest islands” of Bolivia to chocolate enthusiasts worldwide. The launch not only offers a truly unique chocolate experience but also supports sustainable livelihoods and protects valuable ecosystems.
A Unique Chocolate with Deep Roots in the Rainforest
Beniano cacao, featured in the renowned book Wild Chocolate by Rowan Jacobsen, is a true heirloom variety, celebrated for its ancient origins and unparalleled flavour profile. Unlike mass-produced farmed cacao, Beniano cacao grows wild in Bolivia’s Beni region, nestled in the heart of the rainforest. The cacao is harvested by local families who have lived in harmony with the land for generations. By partnering directly with these harvesters, Kindred Forest ensures complete traceability, linking every batch of chocolate to individual families and their specific forest islands.
The chocolate bar, crafted by Chocolarder in Falmouth, Cornwall, is made with just two simple ingredients: 75 per cent wild cacao and 25 per cent unrefined Brazilian cane sugar. The result is a complex and delightful flavour profile, combining the rich, deep notes of dark wild berries, roasted cashew nuts, and an earthy richness reminiscent of the Bolivian rainforest. As the chocolate melts, its naturally high cocoa butter content unveils a long, intense finish, offering a sensory journey through the Amazon’s unique biodiversity.
A Call to Protect the Wild Cacao Forests
The wild cacao forests of Bolivia’s Beni region face numerous threats, including wildfires, deforestation, and the looming impacts of climate change. Recent fires have already devastated two of the region’s 38 unique “chocolate islands,” putting both the cacao and the local communities at risk. In response to these urgent environmental challenges, Kindred Forest is committed to raising awareness and supporting the protection of these vital forests. The company pledges to donate 20 per cent of profits from every chocolate bar sold to the Theobroma Foundation. Under the leadership of Volker Lehmann, the initiative is dedicated to conserving wild cacao forests and ensuring the sustainability of the communities that depend on them.
Supporting Culture and Nature Through Art
In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, each Kindred Forest chocolate bar features artwork by indigenous Bolivian artist Waldo Urazayegua. His designs beautifully represent the harmony of rainforest life and local mythology, ensuring that the cultural and environmental significance of the product is highlighted. This unique packaging serves as both a visual tribute to the rainforest and a powerful storytelling tool that brings attention to the pressing need for conservation.
Redefining Sustainability
With the launch of the Wild Beniano Cacao chocolate bar, Kindred Forest continues to redefine sustainability by combining extraordinary flavours with meaningful environmental impact. The company’s mission extends beyond chocolate, with plans to expand its range of sustainably sourced products, including Wildlife Friendly certified Specialty Coffee and Organic Arenga Forest Sugar from Indonesia. As Kindred Forest grows, it remains steadfast in its commitment to rainforest regeneration, biodiversity preservation, and supporting local communities.