Our new 70% Samoan Dark Chocolate Bar marks the launch of our new Pasifika Collection, which will be a cornerstone of our commitment to Pacific sourcing. Over the next 18 months we will be releasing a permanent range of six single-origin bars showcasing the premium cocoa each island produces!
Samoa is the birthplace of Pacific cocoa, where Criollo and later Trinitario beans first took root on estates like Vailele in the 1880s. Today, cocoa remains central to Samoan life. Half of Samoan households grow cocoa, the highest level of household involvement in the Pacific. Making it the perfect place to start on our Pacific voyage.
Cocoa is woven into Samoan culture, making it a thread that connects families, ceremonies, and communities together. For many, cocoa is more than a crop. It’s a symbol of pride and heritage, connecting local traditions with the wider world. Domestic demand is so strong that producers often struggle to meet international orders.
About 100 tonnes are exported each year, but there is still huge potential to expand Samoa’s premium cocoa industry, which is experiencing a revival.
Grown in rich volcanic soils, the beans carry flavours that tell the story of place: notes of rum and raisin, black Doris plum, a hint of orange blossom and a light touch of burnt sugar cane.
It's wrapped in beautiful artwork by Wellington-based fine artist Michel Tuffery (MNZM), of Samoan, Rarotongan, and Ma’ohi Tahitian heritage. Fun fact: Michel incorporated Samoan cocoa into the paint he used for this piece! Watch our video to learn more about the inspiration behind the art.
