Cocoa has shaped the history of São Tomé and Príncipe: in the early 20th century the islands were among the world’s largest producers, through the great colonial plantations (roças). Today, smallholders organised in cooperatives are betting on organic, high-quality cocoa.
What you will experience
- A visit to the Neves area and old plantations, where the history of cocoa can be seen in the buildings and the fields.
- The traditional process from pod to bean: harvesting, fermentation and drying explained by those who do it.
- A conversation about what organic production and the cooperatives have changed.
Who it is for
For anyone curious about cocoa and the islands’ history: 3 to 5 hours, in groups of 1 to 12 people, from age 10.
Take the flavour home
Products from the Network’s cooperatives, such as cocoa and chocolate, can be ordered through PTRS, and 100% of the sales value goes to the producers.
Practical information
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Hat, sunscreen and water
- Cash to buy local products at the end of the visit
- Ask before photographing people
