Last Thursday, in nostalgic tribute to the beloved Ghanaian staples of cassava and groundnuts, bite sized pieces of delectable artisanal chocolate mixed with gari and handmade peanut butter, featured as canapés when chocolatiers Bioko Treats, hosted patrons to an evening of delightful chorals. 

As the glorious voices of the Harmonious Chorale choir raised melodies into the night sky, platters of bite size pieces of soft milk chocolate infused with a variety of local spices and other ingredients, including zoey, prekese, and coffee, kept the mouths of the guests busy at the Bioko Appreciation Day celebration. 

Paired with wine and juices, the event saw Bioko Treats toast their customers, and incredible staff who they say make everything they do possible. 

Jeanne Donkor is the founder and CEO of Bioko Treats. “The loyalty and trust of our customers, and consumers are the backbone of Bioko Treats,” she noted. “Every time you each choose us, when you share a chocolate moment with your loved ones, or recommend our chocolate selections to friends, you make us part of your story, and for that, we are truly grateful.”

Successfully passing their one-year surveillance audit that has allowed the company to keep their HACCP certification, Bioko have also reduced their carbon footprints, having now gone completely solar. 

Manufacturing in-house at their Osu base, using traceable beans from the Eastern Region of Ghana,Bioko is a sustainably produced woman owned bean to bar chocolatier, who only uses ethically sourced Ghana famed Forastero cocoa, infusing them with mostly local ingredients. Roasting the beans and grinding them to perfection using only sugar, and no preservatives or additives, every piece of the flavourful treat they make is handcrafted.

In 2024, with a commitment to build stronger connections, the company grew its customer base significantly following the implementation of certain structures put in place to improve staff welfare. “This has led to increased productivity and great morale, and it is visible. I am very grateful for my team. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring Bioko’s creations to life. Their passion, dedication, and attention to detail are what make our chocolates extraordinary, and this is why we are paying this tribute to them also tonight.”

Looking ahead to next year, the company is excited to announce new plans that include the introduction of a chocolate subscription service, “where customers can have their favorite Bioko treats find their way to their preferred doorstep regularly, ensuring every month feels like a celebration.”

Chocolate’s ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and elevate simple moments into memorable ones, must be celebrated. A chocolate and wine pairing experience is something special that everyone should enjoy on occasion. 

“Toasting to good clients, fine chocolate, exceptional wine, to all who are part of the Bioko family. Here’s to a future filled with sweetness, joy, and togetherness,” remarked Ms Donkor who believes loyalty must not just be appreciated, but celebrated.