Morogoro is a large state in central Tanzania, known for its hot & humid weather and its large game preserves. The main source of cocoa in the region comes from the Kilombero Valley, the base of a central fermentary called Kokoa Kamili, which was founded in 2012. Since its introduction ot the country in the late 19th century, cocoa in Tanzania has been almost exclusively grown by smallholder farmers, and before the entrance of Kokoa Kamili, these farmers had very little incentive to produce better cocoa.

Started in 2012 by friends Brian LoBue and Simran Bindra, Kokoa Kamili is one of the few African-origin cocoas which have been universally praised around the world. The team, which is based in Tanzania’s Kilombero Valley, has achieved a remarkably consistent post-harvest process, setting a standard in the region by buying wet beans at a premium and fermenting & drying them in a central location. This garners them an exceptionally fruity and rich cocoa, grown right in the nation’s Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Kokoa Kamili now works with nearly 3000 farmers in the region, all of whom get paid a premium immediately for their wet cacao, lessening their workload while also increasing their income.