Following its launch on Friday in Port Douglas at Sheraton Mirage, Daintree Estates Australian Cocoa is officially part of one of the most competitive markets in the food industry.

Federal Member for Leichardt, Warren Entsch, Cairns Regional Council Mayor, Val Schier, and Division 10 Councillor, Julia Leu, were among the eager crowd in attendance to celebrate the venture.

In addressing the gathering, Daintree Estates’ Executive Chairman, Ray Durrant, spoke of the 10 year journey that culminated in the launch of Australia’s first origin chocolate. 

“This is a thrilling day for our board, the growers and our staff. Today we celebrate a milestone and the beginning of a new era in chocolate in Australia.

"As Daintree Estates is now poised to substantially expand its operation on a national and international basis, we are also looking to increase our grower base,” he said.

“This is also an exciting time for Mossman, Queensland and the $1.4 billion dollar Australian chocolate market that has never before had a locally grown commercial offering,” he said.

The cocoa used in Daintree Estates Australian Cocoa products has been nurtured from four estates in the Mossman area of the Daintree National Park.

Speaking on fellow grower’s behalf, Daintree Estates Director, Gerard Puglisi, praised the perseverance of growers in Far North Queensland.

“What was originally called a wild idea is now a commercial reality, thanks to the efforts of numerous scientific, innovative business, agricultural experts and marketing people who have been involved over the last 12 months.
 
“Just like cocoa growers in other parts of the world, we are making the most of our abundant natural rainfall.  As sugar producers first and foremost, we have seized the opportunity to diversify our income base. 

"Growing cocoa enables us to even out the uncertainties of a commodity like sugar while investing in the future of our farming livelihood,” he said. 

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