Have a Cocoa Fruit Summer

From its naturally sweet pulp to its tropical tang, Cocoa Fruit is the unsung hero of the chocolate world—and we’re finally giving it the spotlight it deserves. 

Before cocoa beans become chocolate, they’re tucked inside a thick ripe pod, surrounded by a juicy white pulp (also known as flesh or mucilage) - called Cocoa Fruit. It has a citrissy, fruity, sweet flavour with hints of honey – absolutely nothing like chocolate! Animals (& people) love the taste of this fruity flesh, so they will break the pod open to suck the flesh off the beans.

Usually the fruity flesh is usually lost in the fermentation process and so the team in Luker, Colombia, have been trying to find ways to use more of the cocoa pod. 

o   Of a ripe cocoa pod, only the beans are used – they account for 18.3% - so 81.7% is ‘by product’

o   The fruity pulp (flesh or mucilage) accounts for 7%

o   The pod itself (or husk) accounts for 73.4% - currently farmers leave the empty pods on the ground to act as mulch/fertiliser

o   The shells of cocoa beans are already used as a mulch (you can sometimes find cocoa bean shell mulch in garden centres) as cattle feed, biofuel & now is being used in making recycled papers…

These innovations aren’t just delicious—they’re sustainable. By using more of the cocoa pod, especially parts that are often discarded, we reduce food waste and support cocoa farming communities with new sources of income.

The Luker team in Colombia have found a way to extract some of the juice from the white flesh BEFORE the beans are fermented. They leave enough of the flesh on the beans to enable them to ferment as normal. The juice goes through a number of processes to create a golden concentrate which captures the fruity taste of the flesh.  It is made using 100% natural cocoa fruit and therefore vegan-friendly, gluten-free and has no added sugar! We are the FIRST chocolate company in the UK to work with this Cocoa Fruit concentrate and it is made in just ONE factory that has been set up by Luker in the middle of a cocoa plantation in the Eastern region of Casanare in Colombia – so it is very precious.

We are super proud of this one! Our Cocoa Fruit Caramel chocolates feature a bright fruity luscious Cocoa Fruit caramel filling, encased in rich, Ecuador 72% dark chocolate. The result is a harmonious balance of deep chocolate notes and bright fruit flavours - combining two parts of the cocoa pod. It’s not just a chocolate—it's a whole new dimension for a sophisticated and reimagined chocolate flavour experience! Available in a box of 9 online or in our chocolate cabinets in any of our Chocolate Houses. 

Vegan-friendly creamy Cocoa Fruit Sorbet with delicious honey notes -  you won't believe it's vegan! Made with real Cocoa Fruit concetrate,  our Cocoa Fruit Sorbet is a dairy-free dessert that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent. This frozen fruity treat really brings out the honey notes of the Cocoa Fruit. It’s a sizzling summer sensation bursting with flavour in a spoon! Perfect as a dessert or a midday pick-me-up. Available in any of our Chocolate Houses. 

Sparkle naturally with our Cocoa Fruit Spritz. A refreshing cold sparkling drink made with Cocoa Fruit served with a slice of lemon perfect for a summers day!  It’s tangy, citrusy, and naturally hydrating - no added sugar, no artificial flavours, just 100% pure fruit sparkle. Enjoy! Available in any of our Chocolate Houses.

Say goodbye to ordinary fruit teas. Our Cocoa Fruit Tea uses REAL Cocoa Fruit concentrate for a unique flavour both soothing and subtly sweet. This hot tropical tea, blows the boring teabags out the water! This is more than just tea - it’s a new way to experience the fruits of the cocoa pod. Served in a teapot, this hot fruity drink is like nothing you've tried before and can be sweetened to taste. Available in any of our Chocolate Houses.