Mount Yasur and its eruption, Tanna Island, Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a lush South Pacific island nation known for its volcanic landscapes, rich Melanesian culture, pristine beaches, and some of the world’s finest, most aromatic cacao.
Vanuatu is a remote South Pacific island nation, located about 1,100 miles east of Australia, 500 miles west of Fiji, and 600 miles southeast of Papua New Guinea. Comprising 83 volcanic islands spread over 800 miles, its rich volcanic soil and tropical climate create ideal conditions for growing high-quality cacao.
Malekula, Vanuatu
This cacao comes not from a single farm, but from a network of smallholder farms surrounding the village of Pinalum, located on the remote western side of Malekula, the second-largest island in Vanuatu. Entirely rural and deeply agricultural, Malekula is home to just 20,000 residents—spread across an island slightly larger than Maui—with no true towns, only the small settlement of Lakatoro, where a grocer, hardware shop, gas station, and open market serve the island’s needs.
Among the dense tropical forests and fertile volcanic soil, farmers cultivate cacao much as they have for generations. Around 90% of the trees are heirloom Amelonado, introduced in the late 1800s, producing cacao prized for its rich flavor and deep historical roots.
Fermented cocoa beans are dried on cement for 7 days.
We Care
Olivier, founder of Gaston Chocolate, a certified B Corporation, has been crafting bean-to-bar chocolate on the nearby island of Efate for over a decade. He has built a long-standing relationship with the farming community of Pinalum, sourcing cacao directly from its smallholder growers. With limited local demand for chocolate and Pinalum's production exceeding his needs, the decision was made to expand the village's central fermenting center. This initiative aimed to explore export opportunities, secure better farm gate prices for growers, and introduce their exceptional cacao to the U.S. market..
