According to PRONATEC, the success of their organic cocoa beans can be attributed to their new plant, which operates exclusively with organic products, eliminating any chances of mixing with conventional ones. In addition, the company has implemented stringent cocoa bean analysis procedures, allowing them to identify even trace amounts of residues with utmost accuracy and remove them from the production process. This is a significant advantage as most cocoa processing facilities handle both organic and conventional products on the same production line, leading to potential mixing issues and increased costs.
During its first year of production, PRONATEC subjected all its products to thorough testing. An evaluation conducted in September confirmed the benefits of their exclusively organic production plant. Notably, the company has not detected any pesticide contamination in their processed products despite an 80% increase in bean processing volume. David Yersin, PRONATEC’s CEO and owner, emphasized the success of their decision to opt for a purely organic plant, stating that no mixing with conventional products occurs, highlighting the clear advantages.
PRONATEC, a Swiss family-owned company, has already produced approximately 7,000 tons of organic semi-finished cocoa products. To ensure quality and prevent any mixing with conventional raw materials, PRONATEC operates its own subsidiary in the Dominican Republic, where it sources the majority of its cocoa beans. This meticulous control over the entire process, from procuring beans from small-scale farmers to fermentation, export, processing, and sale of the finished product, enables them to maintain high standards.
Samuel Hanimann, Head of Quality Management, highlighted a common issue faced by many processors – discrepancies between pesticide analysis of raw materials and processed products. PRONATEC has tackled this problem by developing a precise and representative process, resulting in higher product quality. Looking to the future, PRONATEC aims to obtain the US Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) label for their cocoa products by 2024. This certification goes beyond organic labels and includes requirements for soil health, animal welfare, and fair terms for farmers.
In conclusion, PRONATEC’s commitment to organic production, meticulous control over the entire cocoa processing process, and effective quality management techniques have ensured the high quality and purity of their organic cocoa beans. With no pesticide contamination and the assurance of continued excellence, PRONATEC continues to make strides in the food and beverage industry, aligning with trends such as sustainability, innovation, and consumer preferences.
