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When did the company start?

In 1993 a group of cocoa farmers in Ghana pooled their resources and set up a co-operative called Kuapa Kokoo (or 'Good Cocoa Growers' in Twi the local language). Their aim was to create a farmer owned organisation, where farmers could work together for their own benefit, trading their own cocoa in order to get a better price on the market. The organisation is very successful, it has expanded from 23 villages societies to over 40,000 members in over 900 village societies.

Kuapa Kokoo have tried to sell as much cocoa as possible to the Fairtrade market. To do this they must comply with internationally audited conditions regarding standards such as minimum health and safety conditions and farmer's participation.

In 1998 Kuapa Kokoo farmers voted to expand their business and gain significant understanding of the Western chocolate market. So The Day Chocolate Company was born - part owned by Kuapa Kokoo, Twin Trading and The Body Shop and with support from Christian Aid and Comic Relief. Kuapa Kokoo own one third of the company, 2 members sit on the board and a board meeting is held every year in Ghana.

This innovative ownership model led to DFID (Department for International Development) guaranteeing a loan from the bank. The unique company structure has also led to the company being awarded Millennium product status by the Design Council.

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