Grenada produces first ‘green’ chocolate

Grenada has secured a lucrative contract with an upmarket British company to produce the world’s first 99 percent carbon-free chocolate.

Fortnum & Mason has introduced what it claims is the world’s first 99 percent carbon-free chocolate to increase its sustainability credentials.

The Sailboat chocolate – which retails at roughly $28 for three 60g pouches - is made and transported using only green energy. The cocoa used is grown and manufactured in a solar-powered factory in Grenada and delivered via non-carbon reliant transport. A wind-powered sailboat takes the cocoa from Grenada to Neary Nógs factory in Newry, Northern Ireland, where it is broken down, tempered and packaged using solar energy.

It is then goes to Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly flagship store in London via rowing boat, horse and carriage, and the retailer’s own fleet of electric vans.

The remaining 1 percent of energy is the emergency allowance of fuel on the sailboat. The organic chocolate comes in 71 percent, 85 percent or 100 percent cacao variants.

Farmers who grow the cocoa beans are also paid a claimed 65 percent more per pound compared with the local price.

The product, which has been created in partnership with the Grenada Chocolate Company and British chocolatier Chantal Coady, is available at Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly and on its website.