Indonesian Chocolate Brand with a Humble Mission Reaches European Markets

KOMPAS.com – What started as a mission to help farmers has led to international success for the products of Indonesian chocolate brand Krakakoa.

Founder and CEO of Krakakoa Sabrina outlined the vision and mission of the brand which is to have a positive social impact on Indonesian farmers and to earn a profit.

Sabrina added that Indonesian chocolate has immense potential to meet the global demand for this beloved sweet treat which continues to grow annually.

“The potential for Indonesia is huge and we are confident that our country produces good quality cocoa beans.”

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Sabrina shared that there were several measures she had to take to ensure Krakakoa was up to international quality.

One was to guide the cocoa bean farmers by educating them on essential information on producing high-grade cocoa beans. The company also purchases the cocoa beans for a fair price from farmers on its network.

“We have trained and guided nearly 2,000 farmers although some of them plant other commodities or are focused on other things. But in total, we have around 500 to 1,000 active farmers.”

Krakakoa's beginnings

When it comes to creating Indonesian products that can reach the international market, Sabrina admitted that it was no easy feat.

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There were plenty of challenges and obstacles in producing a premium quality chocolate product from Indonesia, she added.

“At one point I wanted to stop, but then when I reflected on having to work for other people and getting a routine paycheck, it made the burden of running my own business less heavy.”

Nevertheless, the company remains true to its vision and mission which is to leave a positive impact on others through their chocolate goods.

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In the context of Indonesia’s agriculture sector, Sabrina is certain of its potential and is disappointed that most producers and farmers focus on commodities and exporting raw materials.

For this reason, the company chooses to purchase raw cocoa beans directly from farmers, process it to become a value-added good, then markets the product.

“Adding value to a commodity can have a significant impact in terms of providing job opportunities, improving the earnings of farmers, and that of the national economy.”

With that in mind, the Indonesian chocolate founder will continue to develop the Krakakao brand while using it as an opportunity to promote Indonesian products as seen in its raw materials, name, and design.

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“I try my best to strictly use local ingredients from Indonesia and purchase from local producers.”

“When it comes to the name, I was inspired by the Child of Krakatau Volcano which is located on the Sunda Strait and is close to our factory in Lampung. It even inspired our packaging design."

The Indonesian chocolate products are sold in Singapore, the Netherlands, Germany, and across Indonesia including Bali, West Java, and Central Java.

(Writer: Roderick Adrian Mozes | Editor: Silvita Agmasari)

Source: https://www.kompas.com/food/read/2020/11/25/134256475/krakakoa-produk-cokelat-indonesia-yang-go-international?page=all#page2