Jeff Abella from Moka Origins Visits Three Mountains Cocoa

Our trip began with visits to several cocoa-growing communities, where Jeff had the opportunity to meet the farmers behind the beans. Walking through the farms, Jeff saw the daily work and dedication that goes into growing and harvesting the crop. It’s one thing to talk about sustainability and ethical sourcing from a distance, but seeing it up close—meeting the people who are part of this process—brought a better connection to Moka Origins’ mission.

By interacting with the farmers, we were able to discuss both the challenges and opportunities that come with cocoa farming. These communities are central to what we do, and having Jeff experience their reality was a powerful reminder of the human element that drives the entire supply chain.

One of the highlights of the visit was joining the farmers for a cocoa harvest. With an opportunity to get involved, we rolled up our sleeves to help gather ripe cocoa pods. This hands-on experience with our farmers gave him a clear sense of the labour-intensive process behind every bean that eventually becomes part of Moka Origins’ chocolate. Harvesting the cocoa together created a shared understanding of the effort and care that goes into producing a high-quality product, starting right from the source. For Jeff, it was an important step in reinforcing the importance of working closely with farmers, not just as suppliers but as partners in Moka Origins’ mission to create ethical, sustainable chocolate.

In a moment that beautifully closed the loop, Jeff brought Moka Origins chocolate to share with the farmers. It was a meaningful exchange, reminding all of us why we’re passionate about what we do. The farmers, who play such a critical role in the process, rarely get to taste the finished product. Sharing that moment was a celebration of the partnership and purpose behind Moka Origins’ bean-to-bar approach.

This visit reinforced the shared values between Moka Origins and Three Mountains, particularly the importance of transparency, ethical sourcing, and empowering farming communities. By creating a direct connection between the farms and the end product, Moka Origins continues to build a supply chain that prioritizes sustainability and makes a tangible difference in the lives of the farmers. For Jeff, this experience offered a deeper understanding of the impact his company has on the ground, far beyond the shelves of chocolate shops. It’s a reminder that Moka Origins is part of something bigger—a movement toward responsible, ethical production that supports the people at the heart of it all. We’re excited for what the future holds as this collaboration continues to grow, and we look forward to seeing how this experience will inspire Jeff and his team to push forward their mission of making chocolate that both tastes good and does good.