Handmade by Coco Caravan Stroud
Kokoa Kamili – Kilombero Valley, Tanzania
Set in Tanzania’s Morogoro Region, the Kilombero Valley rests alongside the biodiverse Udzungwa Mountains National Park. In this fertile landscape, Kokoa Kamili partners with smallholder farmers to cultivate some of the country's most exceptional cacao.
The company was founded by former international development workers who sought a more inclusive alternative to conventional aid models. Rejecting top-down practices, they adopted a farmer-first approach—paying producers approximately 25% above the market rate. This higher income empowers farmers to invest in their farms and families according to their own priorities.
Kokoa Kamili’s commitment goes beyond price. By distributing free or low-cost seedlings and offering hands-on training, they help farmers enhance both yield and quality. The impact is evident: the cacao is prized for its bright, fruit-forward flavors—notes of red berries, apples, plums, and tropical fruits, rounded out with gentle woodiness and subtle hints of chocolate or brownie batter.
The name Kamili, meaning “Exactly” or “Absolutely” in Swahili, embodies the cooperative’s values: precision, honesty, and trust. It’s a promise made to their farmers and to chocolate makers worldwide—that with care and consistency at every step, Tanzania’s finest cacao will shine.
Through fair pricing and expert support, Kokoa Kamili is helping to shape a resilient, farmer-driven cacao industry—one that benefits people and elevates chocolate.