In the realm of luxury, social responsibility often takes a back seat. Conversely, in the pursuit of social responsibility, luxury tends to be compromised. However, Cissé Trading Co. stands as a testament that one doesn’t have to choose between the two.
The core mission of Cissé Trading Co. is to introduce to the market gourmet, pastry-chef-caliber baking and hot cocoa mixes that utilize Fair Trade, organic cocoa powder. This initiative is a significant step in supporting small-scale cocoa farmers in the Dominican Republic. By purchasing their cocoa harvests at premium prices, Cissé Trading Co. contributes to enabling these farmers to lead sustainable lives. Could there be a more compelling reason to indulge in more brownies?
Here’s the journey of Cissé Trading Co. so far: Creating a packaged food product involves numerous steps. The initial seed capital enabled the company to hire a talented graphic designer for packaging design, travel to the Dominican Republic to source the finest Fair Trade cocoa powder, purchase a variety of ingredients for countless hours of recipe refinement, print a large number of boxes for the mixes, find a packaging partner, and distribute samples to natural food retailers, including Whole Foods. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with these retailers eager to feature Cissé Trading Co.’s products in their stores this Fall.
Reviews
If you like dark chocolate (think Spanish hot chocolate), you’ll love Cisse. Although they recommend mixing in milk, I like it with hot water. I’ve been seeking a great instant hot chocolate drink for years, and I think this is the one.
One of the fun aspects of this company is that it was originally funded as a kick-starter. When you add the fact that the two women who started it wanted to promote fair-traded chocolate from the Dominican Republic, it ends up as an admirable enterprise that happens to sell great chocolate products.
This cocoa mix is a chocolate lover’s dream, with its exceptionally rich and deep chocolate flavor. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a bold, intense taste. Although subtle, the inclusion of vanilla bean adds a delicate nuance to the overall flavor profile. I was impressed with how well it blends into both milk and water, leaving a smooth, satisfying texture right to the last sip. Myself and four others tried it, and everyone savored their cup down to the last drop. On a side note, the value is fantastic, with each pack providing a luxurious experience for just $1.18. This cocoa mix is a delightful treat that truly deserves a five-star rating.
If you like dark chocolate (think Spanish hot chocolate), you’ll love Cisse. Although they recommend mixing in milk, I like it with hot water. I’ve been seeking a great instant hot chocolate drink for years, and I think this is the one.
One of the fun aspects of this company is that it was originally funded as a kick-starter. When you add the fact that the two women who started it wanted to promote fair-traded chocolate from the Dominican Republic, it ends up as an admirable enterprise that happens to sell great chocolate products.