Blommer Chocolate, North America’s largest processor of cocoa beans and ingredient chocolate products, announced the single, largest cocoa bean shipment from West Africa is destined for their facility. The vessel, the Atlantic Tramp, carried 18,400 metric tons of cocoa, most of which is sustainably farmed, Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa and Blommer Project Cocoa beans. The shipment represents Blommer’s continued dedication to cocoa industry sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.

The cocoa was harvested in October, shipped in December, arrived in the US and was delivered to port warehouses in early February.

Blommer has a long history of involvement in supporting cocoa community sustainability, beginning in the early 1950s when company founder, Henry Blommer, helped found the American Cocoa Research Institute. That organization has evolved into the World Cocoa Foundation, and Blommer’s Cocoa Director, Kip Walk, was the foundation’s chairman from 2008-2010. More than 30,000 farmers have participated in Blommer sustainability programs, and have benefited with better crop yields and premium pricing.