This month we welcomed Angela Howell, general manager of Ocho Chocolate, a craft chocolate maker here in Dunedin. Angela told us about the journey the company has taken since the closure of Cadbury’s in 2017 and the most successful equity crowdfunding campaign in New Zealand, raising the maximum $2 million in less than two days.
Angela told us how the ethics of the Ocho company are very important. All their chocolate bars are made with cacao beans from a specific farm or farmer cooperative, who are paid a fair price for their produce. Most of the village is involved, from picking and opening the pods to running the fermentation and drying process. This contributes to the economy of the Pacific Islands and minimising the carbon footprint by purchasing local ingredients that have been ethically sourced.
She also shared exciting news that the company was one of a few that had been chosen from hundreds of applicants to present their product to Air New Zealand with a chance to provide in-flight snacks for passengers. Here’s hoping that our local company is successful to spread their tasty treats to the rest of the country and around the world.
Zonta Club of Metropolitan Dunedin 