In Cape Town, chocolatiers are proving that every decadent bite can make a positive impact through sustainable practices.
You might be wondering how chocolate can be sustainable? These innovative chocolate makers are redefining what it means to indulge with purpose. They’re sourcing cacao responsibly, uplifting farming communities, and creating each bar with respect for the planet.
We highlight some Cape Town chocolate brands that are making a difference:
Honest Chocolate
Honest Chocolate was founded in 2010 by two friends and amateur chocolatiers, Anthony Gird and Michael de Klerk. One of the only few bean-to-bar chocolate producers in the country, Honest Chocolate aims to create a “Chain of Positivity” through the supply line. The journey begins in Tanzania, where organic cacao beans are ethically sourced through Kokoa Kamili, a fermentation hub that supports around 2000 small-scale farmers. Then it’s off to Woodstock in Cape Town where the magic happens. Here, the beans are roasted, winnowed and stone-ground for three days using traditional granite grinders. The process brings out the natural flavours of the cacao and achieves that silky-smooth texture without adding a single artificial thing. Everything they make is 100% vegan, gluten-and dairy-free, with no preservatives or additives. There are two cafes located at Wale Street in the city centre and Kalk Bay, as well as their production location in Woodstock
Location: 64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, and 52 Main Rd, Kalk Bay.
Website: honestchocolate.co.za
Afrikoa
Founded in 2015, Afrikoa Chocolate was born with a vision to create world-class bean-to-bar chocolate that celebrates African origin and excellence. Afrikoa believes in direct trade. There are no middlemen, and they maintain long-term relationships with small-scale farmers who are paid premium prices for top-quality beans. Ethical chocolate, to Afrikoa, means more than just avoiding harm; it’s about full transparency, fair treatment, and a deep respect for everyone involved. The beans are hand-harvested, naturally fermented and sun-dried before reaching their Cape Town factory. You’ll also find Afrikoa hosting educational tastings, spreading the word about ethical chocolate and how every bar can make a difference. Find them at their flagship store at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront or order a bar or two on their website.
Location: Shop G11, Makers Landing, Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Website: afrikoa.com
Cocoafair
Tucked away in Montague Gardens, Cocoafair is a boutique chocolatier on a mission to create premium chocolate that’s as ethical as it is indulgent.
Their specialty is Couverture chocolate made with at least 31% cocoa butter or 35% cocoa solids. At the heart of this chocolate company is its commitment to fair, sustainable practices. They work directly with farmers to ensure every cocoa bean is responsibly sourced, and every grower is fairly paid. They proudly use Trinitario beans from the Bocas region in Panama, a bean known for its flavour. And when it comes to crafting their bars, they keep things pure and simple: no alkalising, no additives, and lots of Cocoa Care goes into every product. You can enjoy some chocolates and treats at Cocoafair Chocolatier at Meerendal Wine Estate.
Location: 28 Montague Drive, Unit 2-3 Montague Square, Montague Gardens.
Website: www.cocoafair.com
Ethical Eats
Ethical Eats is shaking up the chocolate scene with its farm-to-bar philosophy, transforming raw, ethically sourced cacao, vanilla and nuts into handcrafted chocolate with purpose. Founded by CEO and chef Dylan Jonsson, Ethical Eats is built on a bold vision: to transform farmers into skilled chefs and chocolatiers, while crafting seriously good chocolate. Their beans come straight from Sengi Cocoa, a supplier dedicated to sourcing top-tier cacao from East Africa and surrounding islands. Sengi Cocoa works together with farmers, providing training, guidance and support to improve fermentation,
drying, storage and shipping. This means better beans, higher-quality chocolate, and a minimum 30% increase in farmer income. You can order your goodies online.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa.
Website: ethicaleats.co.za
