The new ForestFinest chocolate is made from cocoa grown in a sustainably managed cocoa forest in Panama that captures more CO2 than is emitted through the production and transport of the chocolate bars, which are handcrafted from bean to bar by CocoáFair in South Africa. The chocolate comes in nine different flavours promising a sustainable indulgence for all conscientious chocolate lovers.

The chocolate, which is available in nine flavours (Almond, Green Tea, Citrus, Citrus & Cardamom, Ginger, Macadamia, Chili, Dark Star 71% and Dark Star 95%), is available to buy from the ForestFinance TreeShop. Moreover, in consideration of the urgent climate issues and the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, ForestFinance is forgoing any profit generated from this first carbon POSITIVE chocolate, selling it at an introductory price of 2.80 euros per chocolate bar.

How is it carbon positive?

The reason this chocolate is carbon positive is that the cocoa forest in Bocas del Toro, Panama, where the raw cocoa for the chocolate is grown, is part of the Gold Standard certified CO2OL climate project Tropical Mix>>. Gold Standard certified carbon offset projects do not only reduce greenhouse gases, but also support the sustainable development of the respective countries. Only projects that involve the local population in the decision making process receive the Gold Standard certificate. Moreover, the certification proves that the projects are real additional projects that would not have happened otherwise.

The carbon positive calculation

Under this framework, the carbon captured by this cocoa forest is determined on a regular basis, with an impressive result: 0.412 kilogramme of CO2 are captured for each 50 gramme chocolate bar. For the chocolate, the production and transport of the sugar, the power consumption and packing at CocoáFair to the shipping with lorries and container ships, amounts to 0.277 kilogramme of emitted CO2 for each chocolate bar, resulting in a carbon positive surplus of 0.135 kilogramme CO2.

Sustainable cultivation methods and socially fair working conditions

On top of the exquisite flavour and the positive effect on the climate, ForestFinance places much value on sustainable cultivation methods, including socially fair working conditions. All of the ForestFinance cocoa forests in Panama have been UTZ certified since 2014. The biggest sustainability programme worldwide, "UTZ Certified" enables farmers to learn better, more environmentally friendly and sustainable farming methods and to improve working conditions. The employees of ForestFinance receive fair wages, providing a reliable livelihood for their families without any child labour.

The Rootproof Label: Tracking the origins and transport routes of products

The chocolate also features the RootProof label, which enables consumers to see exactly where the cocoa has come from. By using GPS data and maps, found either directly on the product or by following links on your mobile phone, you can easily track the origins and transport routes taken by the product. For more information about the Rootproof Label>>