Contact:
Renée Sweany
Endangered Species Chocolate
(317)844-2886 Ext 108
rsweany@chocolatebar.com

Endangered Species Chocolate adds cacao source, strengthens commitment to planet

INDIANAPOLIS – Endangered Species Chocolate is adding Ivory Coast cacao beans to its supply of all-natural chocolate in 2008. To date the company’s all-natural cacao used to make gourmet milk and dark chocolate bars has been exclusively sourced from farming cooperatives in Nigeria. This new source adds strength to Endangered Species Chocolate’s commitment to ethical trade practices and environmentalism.

The new cacao is being sourced through a program that allows Ivorian farming cooperatives to be rewarded for producing cacao sustainably and responsibly. Farmers are trained on topics such as child labor, HIV prevention, pest management, environmentally sound production and quality management.

Endangered Species Chocolate will pay a higher premium for cacao beans that come from cooperatives that are regularly audited. On-the-ground audits look for continual social and environmental improvement and result in economic rewards to farmers.

In the 2005-06 growing year, six cooperatives with about 6,000 farmers participated in this program for harvesting sustainable, ethical cacao. In 2006-07, participation more than doubled to 15,000 farmers represented by 15 cooperatives. While this growth is phenomenal, there are more than 700,000 cacao farmers in Ivory Coast supplying cacao to the world’s chocolate makers.

“Endangered Species Chocolate chose to add this source in order to invest in the future of Ivory Coast,” says Wayne Zink, ceo. “West Africa is known for controversial labor practices, especially in the cocoa industry. We want to be part of change in that region.”

Extreme Dark Chocolate with 88% cocoa content is the first Endangered Species Chocolate bar to be made with Ivory Coast cacao starting in January. The new beans will be introduced gradually into other milk and dark chocolate bars during 2008, though all bars will remain single-origin, either from Nigeria or Ivory Coast.

Climate, harvesting and fermentation are region-specific factors that have an effect on the flavor profile of chocolate. Ivory Coast cacao beans are known for deep chocolate flavor, often due to full fermentation. The full chocolate flavor may also carry some nutty notes, and occasionally coconut-like flavors.

Endangered Species Chocolate hopes to visit Ivory Coast this year to witness the ethical harvesting of the cacao that creates a variety of their all-natural milk and dark chocolate bars. The company also intends to contribute to the communities in which these cooperatives exist beyond purchasing cacao. Like all Endangered Species Chocolate products, 10% of net profits are donated to help support species, habitat and humanity.

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About Endangered Species Chocolate
Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate is fully committed to providing premium, all-natural ethically traded, naturally shade-grown, and kosher products, as well as products that are certified vegan and organic. To honor its core value – Reverence for Life – ESC confirms that all beans used in its products are purchased from small, family-owned properties where the income benefits the community. The company also donates 10-percent of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. The number one best selling brand of natural and organic chocolate in the natural food category, ESC offers more than 30 products.

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