Production and certifications
Modern Production Facilities: Morro Peixe
In 2013 Satocao inaugurated its industrial centre, built to meet the demands of the 21st century. Situated in Morro Peixe, this complex houses the cocoa processing equipment, its warehouses and stores, a laboratory as well as the company’s head offices.
In order to optimise the flavours of its fine cocoa the company has chosen to use traditional artisanal processes and as a result the fermentation boxes and solar drying tables are constructed out of wood. The opening of these facilities has allowed Satocao to maintain a high level of quality control over its supply chain and production processes on a large scale, something which is unique on the island. In addition to using its own laboratory for analysis, Satocao partners with the Center for Agronomic and Technological Investigation (CIAT) and is in communication with the French Agronomic Institute (CIRAD).
From processing to export
Strict quality control
1- Continuous improvement of the fermentation process.
2- Solar drying finished off with mechanical drying in order to ensure the optimal quality of the cocoa.
3- Dry and well aerated warehouse facilities.
4- All of Satocao’s cocoa exports undergo quality analysis by the CIAT as well as by an international certification expert (BUREAU Veritas).
Organic certification
Satocao is very pleased to announce that over 503 partner-farmers gathered from 10 communities, 12 medium-sized enterprises and 60 ha from Satocao concessioned plantations, are certified organic.
The company is still assisting and supporting other small and medium holders in order for them to obtain as well their organic certification.
Thanks to the naturally fertile conditions of the soil on São Tomé, the farmers rarely use any fertiliser to cultivate cocoa.
In addition, some of the standard procedures that are central to Organic cocoa farming are becoming increasingly commonplace around the island.
Towards a Protected Geographical Indication “Cocoa from São Tomé e Príncipe”
Satocao participates with great fervor in the support activities of the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe to protect local cocoa in the form of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). In fact, this cocoa is already recognized by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) as one of the world’s finest cocoas.
