Did you catch the John Oliver segment on LastWeekTonight? It was about labor conditions affecting African cocoa producers in Ghana and Ivory Coast. It’s a tricky issue and definitely food for thought after a night of #Halloween treats! The good news is that a St. Louis startup is committed to playing a part in addressing this issue. 

Enter Honeymoon Chocolates — “Saint Louis’ first bean-to-bar chocolate makers.” Co-founders Cam Loyet and Haley Loyet shared these details with EQ about the market conditions for cacao farmers in Africa.

“Many cacao farmers cannot afford internet, electricity, or even running water. So, craft chocolate companies such as Honeymoon offer them a chance for a better living wage by pledging to pay a premium for all cacao purchased. These hard-working families are our purpose- they’re keeping the tradition of growing cacao alive.”

The tasty startup officially began in a dorm room kitchen when Cam and Haley first began making bean-to-bar craft chocolate. Their recipe also specializes in sweetening solely with raw honey. Since receiving an Arch Grant in 2021, Honeymoon Chocolates have expanded their manufacturing capacity 5X and started working with major supermarkets like Whole Foods and Erewhon too.

Honeymoon Chocolates is a great example of the kinds of passionate and mission-driven founders Arch Grants has been supporting and bringing to St. Louis over the last decade.