Welcome to the first of what will hopefully be many global eats articles, my hope is to feature interesting food items from around the world and introduce the purveyors of these unique products.  Without further ado I bring you something from Africa, or more specifically the island of Madagascar.  Started by two former Peace Corp volunteers who found [...]]]>

Welcome to the first of what will hopefully be many global eats articles, my hope is to feature interesting food items from around the world and introduce the purveyors of these unique products.  Without further ado I bring you something from Africa, or more specifically the island of Madagascar.  Started by two former Peace Corp volunteers who found themselves looking for a way to give back to the island and the people they grew to love, Madécasse, pronounced mah – DAY – cas, brings a renewable source of income to the Malagasy people and glorious chocolate to us.  Hit the link to find out more.

<via foodspring>

Starting with the local farmers, Brett Beach and Tim McCollum of Madécasse produce their products entirely in Madagascar.  This means that unlike most chocolate manufactures who just import the cocoa from these poorer countries, Madécasse equitably sources the sugar, packaging materials and transportation, all in Madagascar.  According to them, doing buisiness in this way gives up to 400% more profit directly to the Malagasy people, 4 times more than even Fair Trade.  But enough about the business, what about the chocolate?  Well it doesn’t hurt that Madagascar is known for some of the best cocoa in the world, it also doesn’t hurt that by producing the chocolate locally there is only about a month’s time from harvest to finished product.  Their dark chocolate bars are available in 63%, 67%, 70% and 75% for just $6.99.  In addition to chocolate they also sell vanilla products created from Madagascar vanilla beans, and Madagascar black peppercorns.  So next time you go to buy your Fair Trade chocolate why not head online and put a little more money into the pockets of the Malagasy?