Bioko chocolate appreciation day marked

Last Thursday, in a nostalgic tribute to the beloved Ghanaian staples of cassava and groundnuts, bite-sized pieces of delectable artisanal chocolate mixed with gari and handmade peanut butter, featured as canapés when chocolatiers, Bioko Treats, hosted patrons to an evening of delightful chorals. 

As the glorious voices of the Harmonious Chorale Choir raised melodies into the night sky, platters of bite-sized pieces of soft milk chocolate infused with a variety of local spices and other ingredients, including Zoey, prekese and coffee, kept the mouths of the guests busy at the Bioko Appreciation Day celebration.

Paired with wine and juices, the event saw Bioko Treats toast their customers, and incredible staff who they say make everything they do possible.

“The loyalty and trust of our customers and consumers are the backbone of Bioko Treats,” the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bioko Treats, Jeanne Donkor, said.

“Every time you choose us, when you share a chocolate moment with your loved ones, or recommend our chocolate selections to friends, you make us part of your story, and for that, we are truly grateful,” she added.

Successfully passing its one-year surveillance audit that has allowed the company to keep its Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification, Bioko has also reduced its carbon footprints, having now gone completely solar.

The manufacturing in-house at its Osu base, using traceable beans from the Eastern Region, Bioko is a sustainably produced woman-owned bean-to-bar chocolatier, which only uses ethically sourced Ghana-famed Forastero cocoa, infusing them with mostly local ingredients.

Roasting the beans and grinding them to perfection using only sugar and no preservatives or additives, every piece of the flavourful treat they make is handcrafted.

The team, outlook

In 2024, with a commitment to building stronger connections, the company grew its customer base significantly following the implementation of certain structures put in place to improve staff welfare.

Samples of the Bioko Chocolate

“This has led to increased productivity and great morale, and it is visible. I am very grateful for my team. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring Bioko’s creations to life.

The passion, dedication and attention to detail are what make our chocolates extraordinary, and this is why we are paying this tribute to them also tonight,” Ms Donkor said.

Looking ahead to next year, the CEO announced new plans that include the introduction of a chocolate subscription service, “where customers can have their favourite Bioko Treats find their way to their preferred doorstep regularly, ensuring every month feels like a celebration”.

“Chocolate’s ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and elevate simple moments into memorable ones must be celebrated,” Ms Donkor posited.

“A chocolate and wine pairing experience is something special that everyone should enjoy on occasion,” she added.

“Toasting to good clients, fine chocolate, exceptional wine, to all who are part of the Bioko family. Here’s to a future filled with sweetness, joy and togetherness,” Ms Donkor, who believes loyalty must not just be appreciated but celebrated, stated.