Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to visit Three Mountains in Ghana, where Jeff Abella, our Co-Founder and CEO, explored the heart of where Moka Origins’ cocoa journey begins. Accompanied by Leslie from Three Mountains Cocoa, Jeff experienced firsthand the places and people that make our ethical sourcing mission a reality. This trip reinforced our deep commitment to supporting the farmers and communities that are central to our story.
Touring the Cocoa Communities
The visit began with a tour through several cocoa-growing communities, where Jeff met the farmers who are the backbone of our chocolate-making process. Walking through the lush farms and seeing the dedication that goes into each harvest was a powerful reminder of the hard work and care behind every bean. While we often speak of sustainability and ethical sourcing, witnessing it in action—meeting the people who make it possible—brought new depth to our mission at Moka Origins.
Engaging directly with the farmers, we were able to discuss their everyday challenges and the opportunities we can work together to create. These conversations highlighted the importance of partnerships that are built on mutual respect and shared goals. It’s these relationships that drive our work and inspire us to continue building an ethical supply chain that truly prioritizes the people at its heart.
Getting Involved in the Harvest
A standout moment of the trip was rolling up our sleeves and joining the farmers for a cocoa harvest. We took part in gathering the ripe cocoa pods, experiencing the labor-intensive process firsthand. This hands-on involvement offered a clearer perspective of the commitment required to produce the high-quality cocoa that makes its way into Moka Origins’ chocolate.
Harvesting side by side with the farmers reinforced the importance of collaboration and partnership. These aren’t just transactions—they’re relationships built on trust and shared purpose. It’s moments like these that remind us why we view farmers not just as suppliers, but as valued partners in our mission to create chocolate that’s both ethical and sustainable.
Sharing Chocolate with the Farmers
One of the most heartfelt moments of the visit came when Jeff shared Moka Origins chocolate with the farmers. Many of them, despite their critical role in its creation, rarely have the opportunity to taste the final product. Sharing that experience together brought joy and underscored why we do what we do. It was a reminder that our bean-to-bar journey is more than just making great chocolate; it’s about connecting people across the world through this shared passion.
Looking Ahead
This visit strengthened our commitment to transparency, ethical sourcing, and community empowerment. By nurturing direct relationships between the farms and our products, we ensure that our supply chain remains rooted in sustainability and meaningful impact.
For Jeff and for all of us at Moka Origins, this trip was a testament to the fact that the work or Three Mountains Cocoa extends far beyond the shelves of chocolate shops. We’re part of a movement that values responsible, ethical production and uplifts the people who make it possible.
As we look to the future, we’re excited to see how this experience inspires new ways for us to champion our mission, creating chocolate that tastes good and does good for everyone involved. This is just the beginning of deeper collaborations and continued growth, and we can’t wait to share this journey with all of you.
