BALI GOLD | Cacao Queen

BALI GOLD HAS BEEN AWARDED TOP 50 BEST CACAO IN THE WORLD IN 2023

Words from Cacao of Excellence Netherlands Awards.

We thank you for the participation in the 2023 Edition of Cacao of Excellence Awards. Cacao of Excellence recently completed the blind sensory evaluation of the 222 samples received from 52 origins from this 2023 edition.

The evaluation follows a rigorous process based on protocols recently published in the Guide of Assessments of Cacao Quality and Flavour. We are happy to inform you that the cacao bean sample 02.22.2.144 produced by Koperasi Kakao Kerta Semaya Samaniya, has been selected as part of the best 50. We extend our warmest congratulations to you on this well deserved achievement! It is a reflection of dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence behind this cacao.

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This year, we have been blessed with a personal encounter in the fields. Meeting the farmers and hearing their stories in person was such a privilege. Everything aligns perfectly with the final product and the quality that we expect every time. Even our goat friends are fed with fermented cacao pods. I love that! The water is abundant, so even in dry seasons, the cacao tree is nourished and taken care of. Iketut Sudomo's farm is beautiful, it even has a temple inside and the trees are blessed daily with intention. Women are happily working in harmony within the environment, and I could feel that their smiles and the look in their eyes transmitted a whole story. A family run farm, with the next generation already studying to become even better and follow the passion that has been passed by their father in cacao. I walked in three hectares of 100% organic cacao heaven. Cacao flowers were blossoming, at the same time that the cacao pod was ready to harvest, and the little and medium size were happily growing at the same time, pure magic and magnificence in front of my eyes. Iketut Sudomo, one of the oldest and wisest farmers at KSS. His son Imade Dwi Mahardiyasa and other members of KSS were present on the day. From the preparation to the moment when all sat with the intention of connecting with the plant, followed by the thoughts of all the team.

Words from Iketut Sudomo.

It was the first time I had tried cacao. Until now, cacao for me was a precious commodity that brings a sustainable income for my family. Today, I connected with something powerful. Now I feel a different connection with my crop, more on a spiritual level, something that I have never felt before.

From the pod, we get the seeds, fully covered with the juicy goodness, that will make our little friends more active in the fermentation process. At KSS, everyone is super proud of the fermentation, it is done to perfection. Years of training and dedication in one of the steps in the process correlates to a greater result. Every step is traceable, as you can tell, they know what they are doing at Kalimajari. We are in safe hands, in the hands of the experts Agung and the rest of the team. Everyone is so happy, looking in the same direction for a brighter future in the cacao industry.

We are very proud to be part of GALS (Gender Action Learning for Sustainability)

We have two key points for specific meaning about the GALS.

Gender

This means about how the men and women, the husband and wife are united under the household, so they can work together, supporting each other as a family to put their big dreams and hopes for the cacao in the future. For the effort to not be one sided, but together as a family and a team. This is the reason that we call it equality. The principle of gender is not just about the woman’s participation but is more deeply about the access and control of their farm, as a team.

Gender action for sustainability

what is this you might be asking. In other words, we are talking about the supply changes and commodity,in this case cacao. We mean gender equality in decision taking between men and women to support a cause about the sustainability of cacao. Everyone is delighted to be learning about these skills separated into three sections. We call it 'advanced trainings about gender'.

We are also very proud to be aligning with 8 of the 13 sustainable development goals proposed by the United Nations hoping to be met by 2030. These include

The decrease of poverty
To stop famine and malnutrition
The right that everyone deserves the highest quality of education
Gender equality
Healthy work environment and economy growth
Sustainable living within communities and the city
Taking a stance against climate change
Following the ways of partner for good, catering to the needs of the community

KSS team accompanied us to visit a family business part of GALS. The whole family works together, looking toward the same goal. The head of the family sadly passed away, bringing so much sadness to the whole family and community. One thing they were sure of was to make his dream come true. He could see a bigger and brighter family cacao business, sustainable and abundant for all the generations to come. The women in this family are extraordinary and have a lot to say! The blue containers that you see in the pictures are full of bio pesticides. This magical mix was created by the family after encountering many challenges, and lots of research was done.They were looking for the wellbeing of the cacao tree, and after many attempts, they were successfully rewarded. Now, not only can the Adesunja family benefit, but all of the farmers at Kalimajari can take advantage of the bio pesticide and other integrated techniques, and be proud to hold an organic certificate. We love Komangwahyu Wulandari and Ketutsudiarti, the matriarch of this absolutely amazing family.

Another priceless moment that KSS organised for us during our visit and cacao research. Agung is always eager to inform me about everything they are doing so I can share it with you and add value with important information that levels up Bali Gold in every single way. With GALS (a gender equality programme) cacao and family life blends in a very beautiful way. When they saw the value that cacao could potentially bring to their family, they decided to go for it. They have been part of KSS and have had all the training and support, which was an add on to their business. Without it, it wouldn't be easy, and never as abundant as it is now. They shared this with me. Before we were working in different jobs, we didn't have enough time as we do now working together towards our dream. My daughter plays around after school around the farm. We are all together supporting each other and growing our business practices as one family. Women are as important as men; equal, powerful, and knowledgeable. We all share the tasks, have fun, and work hard to deliver the best organic cacao. Now that we know how much value it has for people, how many health properties it has, and why we should start drinking it too.

Q&A

Who makes Bali Gold cacao?

Koperasi Kakao Kerta Semaya Samaniya in the region of Jembrana, West Bali

What award has Bali Gold won?

It has been awarded one of the top 50 best cacao in the world out of 222 samples by Cacao of Excellence Netherlands in 2023

What is Kalimajari?

Kalimajari is a NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) that provides courses and incentives to those in the farm, helping them have a better quality of life

What certification does Bali Gold have?

Thanks to the help of Kalimajari, KSS Cooperative, and the local farmers, they have been able to achieve EU organic, single origin certifications, rainforest alliance, UTZ, EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulations) and many more