Two sisters, Kimberly and Priscilla Addison are on a mission to show the world that quality chocolate can be produced in Ghana where some of the finest cacao beans grow. They created ’57 Chocolate, a growing business and brand that is inspiring not only a generation of aspirant future chocolates; in the country, but also the tastebuds of the world’s chocolate lovers.
Ghana is the world’s second-leading producer of cocoa, producing a million tons of chocolate per year. Together with the Ivory Coast, they control 70% of the global cocoa supply, according to the World Cocoa Foundation. Despite this fact, the country hardly produces enough chocolate for its own domestic demand with priority given to international suppliers.
1957 was a revolutionary year for the country, not only because it became an independent country, but it was the year that gave birth to the nation’s “can do spirit.” Before 1957, industrialization in Ghana was non-existent; most goods were imported and not produced in the country. From 1957 onwards, the country saw a massive boom in its industrial infrastructure and products.
‘57 Chocolate
Ghanaians were creating and developing their own industries and products. Ghana’s independence in 1957 led to the creation of industries like Wenchi Tomato Factory, Akosombo Textiles Limited, and Bolgatanga Rice Mills etc. The name ‘57 is meant to inspire a reawakening of Ghana’s 1957 “can do spirit”. It is a call to action and reminder that sometimes in order to go forward; we need to look back at our foundation—our roots. ‘57 Chocolate aims to inspire the people of Ghana, especially the youth to create and develop made in Ghana products of highest value.
While the sisters were living and working in Switzerland, Kimberly and Priscilla went on a factory tour of Swiss chocolate maker, Maison Cailler, where they got the idea to manufacture their own chocolate creations. “Switzerland is known as a chocolate nation,” Kim explained. “However, they do not grow cocoa at all. Yet, a majority of their beans are Ghanaian beans.” so they created their own chocolate which have the ancient Ghanaian adinkra symbols on them.
’57 Chocolate is the pioneer artisanal bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana defined by creativity and luxury. Founded in 2016 by Kimberly and Priscilla; who wanted to show that quality chocolate can be made in Ghana. The name ‘57 is short for 1957—the year of Ghana’s independence.
The demand for their products is high both domestically and internationally. The sisters export their luxury chocolate across Asia, America, Europe, and other parts of Africa. “When you hear chocolate, you automatically think Switzerland. You don’t think Ghana,“ Kim explained. “So if the Swiss are doing it and they don’t even have the resource there, then we should be able to do it because we have the resource.”