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Bejofo Estate is an organic cacao orchard that makes up one part of the 2000-hectare Akesson Estate in northwest Madagascar’s Sambirano valley. Akesson’s Estate is divided into four smaller estates--Madirofolo, Menavava, Bejofo, and Ambolikapik. It is managed by Bertil Akesson, who has specialized in growing fine cocoa, pepper, and other spices for many years. Bejofo Estate produces 300 tons of cocoa a year.
Cacao was introduced to Madagascar by French colonialists in the 19th century. They first planted Criollo, some of which is still around today. However, the majority of today’s crops in Madagascar are considered Trinitario. The country produces nearly 3000 tons of beans a year. Most of the trees are concentrated in the Sambirano Valley in the northwest, where soil and climate are ideal for growing high quality cacao.
