From Passion to Purpose: The Story Behind Cocoa Sisters.
Gender inequality is something I’ve cared deeply about for as long as I can remember. I’m always looking for ways to make a meaningful impact and last September, that search took me all the way to the Solomon Islands.
When I was invited on a trade mission by the International Trade Centre, I had no idea it would change the course of my life. It was an opportunity to meet female cocoa farmers face-to-face, to listen and learn about the challenges they face and to figure out how I could help.
The first stop on our itinerary was Pilopaso Cocoa Farm, where I met Agnes, a quietly powerful force of a woman growing cocoa in her community. You could say the rest is history.
That encounter planted the seed for Cocoa Sisters.
Why Women?
In the cocoa industry, women carry out 70% of the labour, yet they receive just 20% of the income. That reality floored me and I knew I couldn’t ignore it.
I don’t claim I can fix the entire system on my own. But what I can do is use my voice, my choices, and my business to shine a light on women doing incredible things with very little recognition. By sourcing directly from female cocoa farmers, I can support them not just financially, but also by telling their stories and bringing more awareness to the imbalance that exists in chocolate’s supply chain.
Building a Brand That Uplifts
I truly believe that when you give something to a woman, she knows instinctively how to make something good with it whether that’s land, resources, or opportunity. The women I work with are living proof of that.
My hope for Cocoa Sisters is that it becomes more than just a chocolate brand. I want it to be a platform, one that uplifts the women growing our cocoa and shines a light on their brilliance, resilience, and ambition.
The Journey So Far
Of course, starting this journey has had its challenges. One of the biggest? Getting cocoa beans from the Pacific Islands to the UK! It’s no small feat, and I don’t think that particular hurdle is going anywhere any time soon.
But what’s kept me going is the people. I’ve met some truly incredible individuals along the way who have gone out of their way to help me bring Cocoa Sisters to life. And the enthusiasm I’ve received from supporters even before launch has been overwhelming in the best possible way.
Doing Things the Right Way
For me, ethical sourcing isn’t just about ticking boxes it’s about relationships.
There are some great certification schemes out there, but the reality is that many small-scale farmers, especially women, are excluded from them due to cost or complexity.
That’s why I focus on building trust and transparency directly with the women I work with. I spend time getting to know them — not just as farmers, but as people. I listen to their goals, their challenges, and their dreams. Only then can we work together in a way that’s truly sustainable, not just environmentally, but socially and economically too.
The Vision
When I think about the future of Cocoa Sisters, I don’t just see chocolate bars. I see a movement.
I’ve experienced first-hand how powerful it is when women come together and support one another. It’s unstoppable. So why not bring that energy to an industry that desperately needs it?
Wouldn’t it be amazing to reimagine the cocoa industry as a place where women are truly seen, heard, and fairly paid? That’s the dream and it starts with a single bar of chocolate.
Thank you for being here at the beginning of this journey.
With love,
Sarah
Founder, Cocoa Sisters