Cocoa farmers gain income from the whole fruit

In Ivory Coast, a new facility now processes the often-discarded white pulp of the cocoa fruit. Kumasi Drinks and the Chocolonely Foundation, in collaboration with ETG/Beyond Beans, are working to create a more sustainable and fair cocoa supply chain. The sweet, tropical juice will be delivered from September to local brand Ivorio. Production is expected to reach 300,000 litres in 2026.

Reducing waste, increasing value

Kumasi launched in 2021 after journalist Lars Gierveld witnessed how little cocoa farmers earn from beans alone. Together with Rogiér Power and Linda Klunder, he turned the unused pulp into a drink. The juice is now used in soft drinks, fillings, dairy, ice cream, wine, beer, and cocktails.

Kumasi sells this juice not only under its own brand, but also to others. “The more cocoa juice used, the more income farmers gain,” says Gierveld. “It's surprising we’ve ignored this fruity, tropical ingredient for so long, especially when most farmers struggle to make ends meet from beans alone.”

Local production, wider impact

Two years ago, Linda Klunder relocated to Ivory Coast to set up the factory. Around 5,000 farmers will soon supply fruit pulp. With support from ETG/Beyond Beans, they are trained locally and paid directly—without additional labour.

The partnership with the Chocolonely Foundation reflects a shared mission: reshaping the cocoa sector. While the Foundation invests in broader livelihood projects, Kumasi focuses on adding value to the full cocoa harvest.

Anna Laven, Chair of the Chocolonely Foundation board, explains: “This collaboration creates a ripple effect. Farmers already linked to Tony’s now benefit from cocoa juice production. It’s a meaningful step toward higher incomes and a fairer industry. We aim to build strong, resilient cocoa communities where fairness is the norm.”

The project is backed by impact investors such as Unknown Group, Mudita Coop, RVO and IDH.

Read article here: www.kumasi-drinks.nl