Field Notes from the Founder: My semi-sweet discovery

While I was in South Korea I kept seeing this candy bar called Ghana everywhere. I picked one up every time I stopped in a convenience store. And that was a lot because those Asian convenience stores are what's up! IYKYK

Shop local, Black, and woman-owned

No matter where I travel, I always try to support local and Black-owned or woman-owned businesses. So, I happily kept buying those Ghana candy bars, thinking I was supporting a business back in Ghana.

Wellll, it wasn't quite that simple.

The Ghana chocolate bar is actually made by the Japanese company Lotte Confectionery, and they've been producing it in Korea since 1975. While the cocoa beans used to make the chocolate do come from Ghana, the bar is named solely to honor the country for its status as a major cocoa exporter.

Commitment to communities

Still, a significant 80% of the cocoa the Lotte Group uses is sourced from Ghana. The company also makes contributions to support cocoa farmers there, which helps boost the Ghanaian economy. So, while my purchases of the finished products weren't directly supporting a Ghanaian business, I was at least indirectly supporting the farmers who grow and harvest those cocoa beans.

Happy 50th anniversary to the Ghana chocolate bar.

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