Gourmet imagination

Inspired by Ghana, the second largest global producer of cocoa, “Cocoa Day”, which is held every year on 1 October, symbolises and celebrates the relationship between cocoa farmers (without whom chocolate would not exist) and consumers of this heavenly food.

Since 2010, the French Academy of Chocolate and Confectionery, which aims to give meaning to the values of quality and excellence, has worked with the cocoa and chocolate sector to develop initiatives to ensure that this day becomes a traditional celebration, with two key objectives:
strengthening the relationships between the north and south of our planet, between those who plant, grow and harvest cocoa and those who process and sell chocolate;
raising awareness of the problems facing our planet, in connection to crop growing and globalisation.

Every year, a poster is widely shared by the partners and the companies which organise a public event to mark the occasion.

The 2019 poster was designed by a student, Margaux Pasquet, from the École de Design, d’Arts Appliqués et de Communication in Marseille. The poster shows the cocoa bean and chocolate inside the planet, encapsulating today’s challenges, from developing increasingly ethical cocoa bean production to ensuring the high-quality taste of chocolate.

Given the success of our single origin ganaches (Ecuador, Peru, São Tomé and the Dominican Republic), we decided to travel to Ecuador in search of new flavours and to meet some of the country’s farmers.

This country is home to the subtly aromatic Arriba Nacional cocoa and cocoa plantations; a visit was the perfect opportunity to develop partnerships with growers for even better traceability and even higher quality cocoa.

The Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label is awarded by the French state, recognising French companies which boast traditional and industrial expertise.

This label is awarded for a period of five years to manufacturers and producers which are committed to professional performance and high-quality products. Companies which are awarded this label are recognised for:

• Their specific economic heritage
• Their rare expertise, based on traditional or high-tech techniques
• Their reputation and/or their years of experience

A rigorous selection process

The procedure for awarding the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label is governed by statutory instruments and is managed by experts. The applicant’s file is reviewed by the Institut Supérieur des Métiers, the opinions of the regional Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie and competent establishments are sought, a report is written, the company is visited by industry experts, the application is reviewed by a national committee and the final decision is taken by the Ministry: the selection process for an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant guarantees its excellence.

A desire to perpetuate traditions

From internationally renowned brands to smaller, lesser-known companies, all Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant have a shared approach when it comes to passing on specialist knowledge. Many of these companies have developed this expertise over the years, passed on from generation to generation.

Constant innovation

A Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant company continually develops its products and processes to raise the bar in terms of artistry and technique. The combination of tradition and innovation is at the heart of the concept of the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant and the exceptional companies which are awarded this label. For more details, please visit the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant website: http//www.patrimoine-vivant.com/