Promising Perspectives & Vibrant Vibes
from Silva Cacao’s First Fruitful Journey of the Year.

A GLIMPSE INTO TOGO
SMALL BUT BRAVE

NATURE’S LITTLE TREASURE CHEST

Togo might be small* enough to miss on the map, but it packs a punch when it comes to culture, landscapes, and history.
The ‘little sibling’ of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, Togo bursts with cultural richness and natural diversity. From coastal plains dotted with lagoons and marshes in the south to savannas in the center and rugged mountains in the north, it’s a land of striking contrasts. This narrow nation, nestled between Ghana and Benin, stretches just 50 km at its widest point but is rich in character, resilience, and cacao potential.

Togo is a country of craftsmanship, rhythm, and deep-rooted traditions, where over 40 ethnic groups bring a rich tapestry of languages and customs. While French serves as the official language -a legacy of its colonial past, indigenous languages like ‘Ewe’ and ‘Kabye’ are widely spoken. Markets are alive with bold textiles, intricate wood carvings, and the steady beat of percussion.

TOGO & CACAO
SMALL IN SIZE, SMALLHOLDERS AT HEART, BIG ON POTENTIAL

NATURE’S LITTLE TREASURE CHEST

The name Togo is translated from Ewe as ‘behind the river’. During the period from the 11th to the 16th century, tribes entered the region: the Ewe from the west and the Mina and Gun from the east. Most of them settled in coastal areas. The Atlantic slave trade began in the 16th century and for the next 200 years the coastal region served primarily as a European slave trading post.

In 1884, Germany made Togoland a protectorate. After World War I, France took over the administration. Togo became independent from France in 1960.
In 1967, Gnassingbé Eyadéma seized power through a military coup and led a one-party state. He won three multi-party elections from 1993 onwards, despite reports of irregularities. When he died in 2005, he was Africa’s longest-serving modern leader, having ruled for 38 years. His son, Faure Gnassingbé, was elected president the same year.

Traces of its German colonial past are still visible today in the country’s structured approach and sense of organisation -something we notice every time we visit the country -especially when compared to regions where chaos reigns and our patience is constantly tested. While colonial history is complex, this particular legacy has in certain ways contributed to the efficiency and stability that help shape Togo’s cacao sector today.

Cacao first appeared during the colonial period, initially grown on plantations, but as the country evolved, the industry transitioned toward a more sustainable outgrower model***, with smallholder farmers now at its core.
Though modest in scale, with around 12,500 hectares of cacao, Togo’s cacao sector holds significant potential. According to the latest 2022 figures from the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the country’s cacao production is showing a growing trend.

What sets Togo apart from its neighbours is the free market system****, where farm gate prices fluctuate with global trends -at times far exceeding Ghana’s fixed prices, along with the hidden gems in terms of unexpected good quality. This dynamic market demonstrates that even in small quantities, premium quality cacao can emerge from unexpected places.

SILVA CACAO IN TOGO
ROOTED IN RELATIONSHIPS

NATURE’S LITTLE TREASURE CHEST

Togo has always felt like home for Silva Cacao. After starting in Mexico and São Tomé, it was the 3rd origin we ventured into, and the connection has only grown stronger over time. Our roots in Togo go back to the early days, where pioneers like Sylvie Guillaume -a champion of ‘Grand Cru’ cacaos, laid the foundation for what we’re building today.

Despite its small size, this brave nation has a big heart -and that’s something we can relate to. The Togolese people are genuine, generous, and open-minded -qualities that make every visit feel like a reunion. Togo’s culture of dance, song, and hospitality is infectious, and it mirrors the spirit of collaboration we find here.

From our partnership with Suncao, led by Monsieur Ouro, to our direct sourcing from smallholder farmers like ‘Kekeli Farm & Coop‘ -meaning ‘light’ in Ewe, we build relationships that go beyond business. 
Together, we co-develop a cacao value chain that brings quality beans to the market while uplifting the farmers and communities that make it all possible. Through these complementary partnerships, we’re not just growing cacao -we’re growing a better, more sustainable future.
These collaborations are helping to elevate Togo’s cacao industry, one step at a time. We’re proud to be part of Togo’s journey, helping to showcase its potential on the global stage.

QUALITY TIME IN TOGO
FINETUNING THE QUALITY

NATURE’S LITTLE TREASURE CHEST

Our first origin trip of the year took us to Togo in mid-January -a great way to kick off 2025. The goal? Reconnect with our partners, get a firsthand look at the harvest, assess production forecasts, and take stock of the bigger picture in West African cacao. Monitoring EUDR compliance was another key focus -ensuring full traceability remains a given.

We also reviewed the quality of our operations with Monsieur Ouro and the Suncao team. With a solid foundation already in place, this visit was focused on refining protocols and further enhancing quality.

To support this effort, our post-harvest expert from ZOTO -Zoi, joined us for the first time. With her extensive knowledge of post-harvest techniques, Zoi is enhancing this Togolese cacao through tailored education, practical advice, and hands-on improvements that help farmers maximise both quality and value.

The enthusiasm of the Kekeli Farm & Coop team was clear as knowledge was shared, techniques were tested, and hands-on learning took place in the field. New trials with smallholders are already underway, adapting practices to unlock even higher quality.

TOGO FIELD REPORT
MEDIO JANUARY 2025

NATURE’S LITTLE TREASURE CHEST

During our visit, we observed troubling conditions in the field. In January, the weather was brutally dry and hot, putting immense pressure on the cacao trees. Plants were struggling, and disease levels***** were high. This harsh trend continued into February, with both the north and south experiencing similarly dry and scorching conditions.

In the south, the harvest was already finishing, while up north, there was still some activity, The season finished earlier, and due to the lack of rains, the forecast for the small harvest season are not so positive. During our visit to the fields, the forecast indicated a 20% decrease in production compared to the previous harvest year.

These conditions reinforce the importance of staying closely connected to the origin, adapting where needed, and ensuring that even in difficult years, quality and sustainability remain at the forefront.

The national strategies for the EUDR were being discussed, with the private sector now taking over much of the work. A massive effort is underway to start identifying and mapping the farms. With our in-house team and agronomist Romeo, we have boots on the ground to make it happen!

A huge shoutout to our beloved and inspirational local hero, Abra, who started the school at Kekeli farm. We’ve been honoured to contribute financing and send books and materials from our partners to support this amazing initiative. It’s been incredibly moving to see how Kekeli School has transformed -now equipped with proper tables, chairs, and books, all thanks to the hard work and dedication of the teachers shaping the next generation. The school playground, with the Togolese flag flying high, stands as a powerful symbol of the bright future ahead for Togo.

While Togo remains one of Africa’s poorest countries, the potential here is boundless. The challenges around education are real, but the work being done at Kekeli School is a beacon of hope. The future of Togo lies in the hands of its youth, and that journey begins with education -whether in the classroom, on the playground, or in the fields, where we’re empowering farmers with new skills to cultivate a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.

THE FUTURE
TOGO CACAO IN THE SPOTLIGHT– literally & figuratively

NATURE’S LITTLE TREASURE CHEST

Togo’s cacao is bursting with potential, and we’re thrilled to highlight its distinctive qualities in our portfolio -a perfect fusion of Togo’s rich heritage, where German precision meets Togolese creativity, and tradition blends seamlessly with innovation.

With fully traceable cacao at our core, we are committed to constant growth and improvement. Together, we’re unlocking the full potential of Togo’s cacao, shaping a future that honours the past while embracing what lies ahead.

A huge shout-out to all our local heroes –Mme. Abra and her incredible superstar team: Mana, Atta, Frido, Kofi, and everyone involved. Their unwavering dedication to improving the quality of Togo’s cacao is truly inspiring. They are not just raising the bar, but also paving the way for a brighter future by setting new standards and taking Togo’s cacao to exciting new heights.

• Togo Kekeli Koko – regional quality
  • ‘Koko’ refers to coconut
  • Flavour Profile: A smooth and well-balanced profile featuring layers of rich chocolate mousse, delicate fruity undertones, and hints of macadamia and dried coco nuts, all complemented by a subtle maple-like sweetness.
• Togo Agouto – regional quality
  • Agouto refers to Mount Agou -the highest mountain in Togo at 986 metres
  • Flavour Profile: Togo Agouto is a rich and creamy cacao with a bold character. It features deep chocolaty tones, complemented by hints of banana and warm cognac for a velvety, indulgent experience.
• Togo Kekeli Nujeje – special quality
  • Nujeje means ‘new’ in Ewe
  • Flavour Profile: Silva proudly presents Togo Kekeli Nujéjé, a rare single-farm microlot with a round and balanced character. This Togolese cacao offers vibrant notes of ripe strawberry, complemented by the subtle richness of sunflower seeds, a hint of coconut, and delicate nutty undertones -perfect for adventurous chocolate makers seeking a unique origin.

These improved trial lots are sailing as we speak, and will be available in small quantities starting in April.
As the summer season approaches, more cacao will be harvested, and pre-ordering will be possible.

Curious to get your hands on some? Remember, it’s first come, first served -so don’t miss out on securing your share of this exceptional exciting Togolese cacao!

While Togo remains one of Africa’s poorest countries, the potential here is boundless. The challenges around education are real, but the work being done at Kekeli School is a beacon of hope. The future of Togo lies in the hands of its youth, and that journey begins with education -whether in the classroom, on the playground, or in the fields, where we’re empowering farmers with new skills to cultivate a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.

• Togo – Badou – regional quality
  • A classic Togolese cacao with a full-bodied character and rich chocolate tones. Produced by a cooperative in the Badou region near the Ghanaian border, this cacao features subtle hints of herbs, warm woody notes, coconut, and almond. With low acidity and a smooth finish, it offers a well-rounded and satisfying experience.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this trip truly unforgettable: Mr. Ouro, Mme. Abra, Mana, Atta, Frido, Kofi, Romeo, Zoi, The federation of cooperative unions Fuprocat, the Kekeli community’ friends and families, the dedicated teachers, and the wonderful pupils at the school. Your warmth, dedication, and hospitality filled this journey with magic and joy!