Chocolatemaker showcased by government as inspirational business

Bilsborrow-based Chocolat Madagascar has been identified by the UK government as a model company for responsible international trading.

The company grows its cacao in Madagascar, but unlike many other companies which export raw ingredients to create products elsewhere, it also manufactures within the country of origin.

According to an Origin+ Raisetrade report, growing and making the chocolate at origin not only preserves the freshness but also helps add at least 400 per cent economic value to the Malagasy people of Madagascar origin. 

As well as promoting peace and respect between nations, the approach tackles the issues of extreme poverty, economic migration, climate change through a responsible collaborative business approach, thereby providing a blueprint to reduce the economic gaps between highly developed nations and least developed countries.

The partnership has won 60 international awards, and has now been in a showcase by the UK government as an example for British businesses to follow as the country enters the landmark Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreement.

The CPTPP is a trade agreement between 11 nations: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

The UK's business and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch has formally signed the treaty to accede to CPTPP trade group, with the country joining the agreement when it has been ratified by all parties.