"The Chocolate Island"
The Birthplace of the World’s Finest Cocoa
Since 1880, Roça Diogo Vaz has stood out as one of the island’s most traditional cocoa plantations. Set in rich volcanic soil, the estate spans over 420 hectares of preserved forest. The unique combination of equatorial climate, abundant rainfall, and generational knowledge creates an unrivalled terroir, allowing the cocoa to flourish with extraordinary sensory qualities.
After the abolition of slavery, São Tomé and Príncipe became the world’s largest cocoa producer in 1910, exporting 35,000 tonnes of the fruit. This legacy earned the archipelago the nickname “The Chocolate Island”, a tribute to its rich tradition of cultivating fine cocoa and its importance on the global stage.
Reviving Tradition, Elevating Excellence
In 2014, Roça Diogo Vaz underwent a transformation, bringing innovation without losing its essence. Today, it is certified as a fully organic farm, ensuring sustainable cultivation, free from pesticides and in harmony with the land’s natural cycles. Local farmers continue to use ancestral techniques, caring for the trees between harvests to ensure each season yields high-quality beans with deep and complex aromas.
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The excellence of this cocoa has already captivated the world, earning recognition from top chefs and chocolatiers. In 2016, the Diogo Vaz brand shone at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris, where French master chocolatier Olivier Casenave won the award for Best Chocolate Bar in the World. Two years later, the unrivalled quality of São Toméan cocoa was acknowledged by the Culinary College of France, opening doors to the finest restaurants and patisseries in the country.
Cocoa as a Symbol of Identity and Sustainability!
More than a prized ingredient, the cocoa of São Tomé and Príncipe is a symbol of resilience, tradition, and progress. Its sustainable cultivation not only preserves the island’s biodiversity but also empowers the local community, ensuring fair working conditions for producers and promoting environmentally respectful farming practices.
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Each cocoa bean harvested at Roça Diogo Vaz carries with it centuries of history, dedication, and love for the land. Today, this African treasure is transformed into cosmetics and wellness products, sharing a piece of São Tomé and Príncipe’s natural wealth with the world.
From the volcanic soil of the island to your skin — the purity of cocoa like never before.
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