Pure Chocolate Triumphs with Gold Medal at Cacao of Excellence Awards

Pure Chocolate has clinched the prestigious Gold Medal in the Cacao of Excellence Awards for its exceptional cocoa, affirming its position as a leader in Jamaica’s burgeoning chocolate industry. Founded in 2017 by Renae Johnson and Wouter Tjeertes, Pure Chocolate has made waves by revitalizing the island’s cocoa production and crafting unique, locally-inspired flavors that celebrate Jamaica’s culinary heritage.

The Cacao of Excellence Awards, established in 2009, recognize the finest cocoa producers and chocolatiers worldwide, highlighting quality and diversity in cocoa beans and chocolate products. Pure Chocolate’s victory underscores not only its commitment to excellence but also the potential of Jamaica’s cocoa industry on the global stage.

“This award is a monumental achievement for Pure Chocolate and for Jamaica as a whole,” said Renae Johnson, co-founder of Pure Chocolate. “It sets us apart as the sole producer of internationally acclaimed chocolate made entirely from cocoa beans processed in-house.”

Wouter Tjeertes, co-founder and master chocolatier, attributed the success to their unwavering dedication to quality and community support. “From day one, our mission has been to produce chocolate that benefits everyone involved, from the farmers who grow the cocoa to the artists who design our packaging,” Tjeertes explained. “Winning this award validates our approach and motivates us to continue pushing boundaries in artisan chocolate-making.”

Pure Chocolate’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their meticulous chocolate-making process. Drawing on decades of experience in high-end pastry and artisanal chocolate, the team blends the finest cocoa beans with locally-inspired flavors like Jerk seasoning, scotch bonnet, and rum, in collaboration with Worthy Park Distillery. Their product line now boasts 15 distinct bars, each a testament to Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage.

Reflecting on challenges faced, Johnson acknowledged the impact of the pandemic but noted how it spurred them to refine their offerings and prepare for international expansion. “The pandemic was a testing time, but it allowed us to focus on enhancing our product line and preparing for export,” Johnson remarked.

Looking ahead, Pure Chocolate anticipates leveraging their award-winning status to further propel Jamaica’s cocoa and chocolate industry onto the global market. “Winning the Cacao of Excellence award marks our entry onto the international stage,” Tjeertes stated. “We are exploring opportunities to export our cocoa beans alongside our chocolate products, reinforcing our commitment to quality and Jamaica’s growing reputation as a cocoa producer.”

Customers and enthusiasts can expect new innovations from Pure Chocolate, with plans to launch a new product line by the end of Q3 2024. Additionally, their popular Chocolate Making Classes at the Chocolate Studio in Island Village, Ocho Rios, continue to attract locals and tourists alike, offering hands-on experiences in chocolate craftsmanship.

For more information about Pure Chocolate and their award-winning products, including upcoming events and classes, you can visit their website at: www.purechocolatecompany.com.

As Pure Chocolate celebrates this remarkable achievement, the future looks bright for the company and Jamaica’s vibrant cocoa industry, poised for continued growth and recognition on the global culinary stage.