Changes

Chocolaterie Robert is a major contributor to the local economy, providing employment for about 120 independent farmers and up to 200 factory workers. The company operates both as a cacao bean processor and chocolate manufacturer, using 500 tons of the total 4,000 to 5,000 tons annual cocoa production in Madagascar.

To ensure premium quality cocoa, the Ramanandraibe Group has set up 23 support centres throughout the [[Sambirano|Sambirano Valley]] providing technical assistance to farmers. Fermentation tubs and drying areas for cacao beans are subsidised by the group. Madagascar cacao farming typically resides in the hands of small family businesses of farmers who live by their land and tradition while passing their skills onto future generations.