October 23, 2025 | 11:21 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Every piece of chocolate carries its own character, from smooth sweetness to complex bitterness. Every single chocolate bar not only symbolizes pleasure and happiness, but also reflects its cultural origins.
Recently, Krakakoa, an Indonesian chocolate brand, has been included in the Top 100 Best Chocolates in the World list by TasteAtlas, alongside various hallmark brands from Europe and the US.
Krakakoa Ranks 9th
Established in 2013 as Kakoa before rebranding to Krakakoa in October 2016, the brand drew inspiration from Krakatoa Island in the Sunda Strait.
Since its conception, Krakakoa has been committed to delivering sustainable chocolate that carries positive impacts for local farmers, as reported by SWA.
The culinary encyclopedia platform specializing in traditional food worldwide ranked the Cokelat Saludengen Sulawesi 75% Single Origin variety in the ninth position. According to TasteAtlas, this variety presents a "deep and layered flavor profile, with aromas of aged balsamic vinegar, spiced wood, and dark timber tones."
Its texture is soft and almost syrupy, creating a delightful and gentle melting sensation on the palate. The chocolate's flavor consists of complex layers of molasses, dates, dried fruit (raisins), and rich rye bread, enriched with a hint of clove and black pepper. The end result brings forth a finer aroma of black tea and cedar sawdust, balancing the dark tone with an an elegant touch.
Cocoa Beans from Farmers
As cited from Krakakoa's official website, the brand believes that high-quality products can be directly produced from Indonesian soil without relying on imports. Additionally, the company believes farmer welfare must come first, alongside environmental preservation and economic growth.
All of Krakakoa's cocoa beans are sourced from small farmers who practice organic and sustainable farming methods. These farmers are paid higher than the Fairtrade minimum price as a form of appreciation for their quality and hard work. With the farm-to-bar approach, Krakakoa transparently and ethically manages the entire process- from planting, fermentation, to the final production.
Krakakoa has also partnered with non-governmental organizations such as SwissContact to train over a thousand cocoa farmers in Lampung, Sumatra, and West Sulawesi. This program teaches organic farming techniques, plant disease management, cocoa bean fermentation, and the importance of environmental conservation.
In 2017, Krakakoa became the first Indonesian chocolate producer to win awards at the Academy of Chocolate Awards in the UK, earning six medals, including a Silver Award for limited-edition packaging and several awards for the Tree to Bar and Flavoured Milk Chocolate Bar categories.
Krakakoa has expanded its market abroad, including Belgium, Singapore, and other European countries. Around 20% of its sales come from exports, with the European market being the primary target due to its high sustainability awareness.
Annisa Nur Alimah contributed to the writing of this article
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