Lots has happened at Charley’s this year, including finding a Super Fruit Dove in our rainforest.
Charley's is a tree to bar (single origin) chocolate grower
The vision for Charley’s is a high quality, sustainable and integrated cocoa growing and chocolate manufacturing business that is an attractive tourism destination. Our international and local awards are testament to our quality product. Our visitor feedback is testament to the quality of our tour experience.
Charley’s is a private company with some 160 chocolate loving shareholders; these are from the investors in the initial capital raising in 2013/ 2014 and then those who contributed to the 2018 Crowd Sourcing fund raise. Charley’s appreciates this support. The 2022 AGM is Friday 28th October at Charley’s Mission Beach. Interstate and local shareholders will be treated to a number of events in addition to the always exciting AGM!
In 2022 we bid farewell to one of our two Founders, who retired from the business. This is an issue that all Founder businesses face. We wish Lynn Jahnke well in her retirement.
Operationally
This year we realised 'The Chocolate Centre'. Not quite as originally envisaged, but at a lower cost and more easily than previously planned. Rather than a new build, Charley’s leased the unleased portion of the Mt Edna property.
This newly leased portion includes a building with offices, accommodation, and space for ‘chocolate events’ So, Charley’s now comprises:
- the chocolate factory, greenhouses, storage, tour space (existing) plus
- cleared land of 40 hectares, some suitable for cocoa
- endangered tropical lowland rainforest of 79.77 hectares with trails and wildlife
This delivers the Charley’s Chocolate Centre as an enhanced destination. Mt Edna’s unspoiled tropical lowland rainforest, being in private hands, is uniquely accessible. Perhaps visitors will see the cassowary feasting on the guava tree. Find out about our rainforest at https://www.charleys.com.au/blog/charleys-magnificent-tropical-rainforest-/
Chocolate Tours
Charley’s has been offering Chocolate Tours for many years. It’s an interesting way to spend a couple of hours. Great for school projects. More about our tours is at https://www.charleys.com.au/what-to-expect/
This year we upgraded the tour experience. The tour now features an improved chocolate tasting experience. The visits to the plantation, the tree nursery and the chocolate factory continue; and are very popular. Come and see an Australian cocoa tree up close!
Charley’s Packaging
This year saw the launch of packaging; using artwork commissioned from FNQ artist Kim Rayner. Apart from a great look, the packaging enables a more efficient pack of our gorgeous chocolate bars. See https://www.charleys.com.au/blog/charleys-packaging-art-meets-chocolate/
Charley’s trees
There has been a long term project to increase our plantings of cocoa trees, using high yielding trees, in response to the growing emand for affordable high quality local produce.
There is a shortage of Australian grown cocoa; something Charley’s and the Cocoa and Chocolate Council are keen to remedy. Read about Charley’s trees at https://www.charleys.com.au/blog/charleys-cocoa-trees/
The Australian Cocoa Industry
Charleys was part of the Agri Futures Cocoa RD&E (Research, Development & Extension) project. The project outcome was a 5-year strategic RD&E plan for Australian cocoa. A key recommendation was the need for an active cocoa industry body. Charleys is taking its place in contributing to this industry body.
Charley’s sales outlets
Charley’s globally awarded chocolate is available online at https://www.charleys.com.au/ or from numerous retail outlets https://www.charleys.com.au/retailers/
Thank you for reading this blog. Do invite your friends to sample our wonderful Australian grown and made chocolate.
In celebration of our natural environment - our rainforest canopy
