What kind of country do you think of when you think of cacao producing areas? According to a 2016 survey by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Cote d'Ivoire (1.47 million tons), Ghana (850,000 tons), Indonesia (650,000 tons), Cameroon (290,000 tons), in descending order of production. Nigeria (230,000 tons) ... and so on.
Cacao has a strong image of Africa and South America, but as you can see from the example of Indonesia, Southeast Asia is also a climatic zone suitable for growth. In recent years, the number of cacao farmers and chocolate makers has increased in Vietnam. The amount of production is still small, but it is certain that Vietnamese cacao beans are attracting attention, such as receiving an award at the chocolate festival "Salon du Chocolat".
"MAROU" is famous as a chocolate made from such Vietnamese cacao. It is a brand in Vietnam that is particular about "single origin" that makes one chocolate from cacao beans from one production area.
You can get it at stores and souvenir shops in Vietnam, but I found it sold at "BiOPLE tokyo by Cosme Kitchen" in Shinjuku LUMINE during the last Valentine's season. Here are three types that I got quickly.
Vietnam MAROU chocolate A very fashionable chocolate bar with an oriental label design. The content was 24g (0.85oz) each, and the price was less than 500 yen per sheet.
76% of the red-labeled barriers use only cocoa beans purchased directly from family-owned farms in Southeastern Vietnam's Ba Ria Province. This piece is characterized by its fruity acidity and bitterness reminiscent of red fruits.
78% of the green label Ben Tre uses cocoa beans made on farms in the coconut-covered Mekong Delta area. You can enjoy a rich and powerful taste with bitter. High cacao without habit.
The purple label, Dakrac 70%, uses only cocoa beans caught in Dakrac Province, central Vietnam. It features a complex flavor and a spicy finish.
MAROU chocolate has a different personality, although the cacao content does not change much. In addition to this, cocoa beans from various production areas are being developed. As a souvenir from Vietnam, of course, if you see it in Japan, please pick it up.