Zartbitter

Cocoa from Ghana becomes exquisite Swiss chocolate. But how can impoverished farmers take part in the booming cocoa business? Ghana-Swiss Yayra Glover has a vision. For this he returned to his home in West Africa. With the production of organic cocoa, he wants to help farmers to more independence and better living conditions. The film accompanies Yayra in the development of his project, for which he takes great personal sacrifices. Despite difficulties with the financing and the Ghanaian authorities, he adheres to his vision and can finally deliver his cocoa beans to a Swiss chocolate manufacturer for the first time.

Yayra Glover, Founder Bio-Kakao-Initiative:
“I want to do something against the rural exodus in Ghana. We have to create jobs so that the boys stay in the countryside and do not go to the cities where they sell things at the roadside for survival. The farmers must understand that they can earn their livelihood with cocoa. The Europeans – especially the Swiss – will always eat chocolate. This means that the cocoa farmers will always have work to do.”

Joseph Awuku, cocoa farmer:
“I cultivate four cocoa farms. Half the income I have to hand over to the landlords. With the cocoa money I can pay the school fee for my children, the household expenses and medical expenses.”

Felix Inderbitzin, purchaser Swiss chocolate manufacturer:
“We want to buy high-quality cocoa directly in the production countries. On-site visits are very important to us so that we can trace back the cocoa to the farmers. This enables us to guarantee to our customers that no child labor is involved in cocoa production.”