Menakao, deeply rooted in local production, operates from its chocolate factory in Ambohidratrimo, near Antananarivo, Madagascar. This factory is distinctive for transforming Grand Cru beans, exclusively sourced from Madagascar, into 100% Malagasy chocolate bars.

Fine Malagasy Cocoa:
Madagascar chocolate is renowned for its unique floral notes, a touch of acidity, and a slightly astringent finish, making it an exceptional cocoa recognized globally. Since 2016, it has been labeled as “Fine Cocoa” by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), ranking it among the world’s best.

Ethically Committed Brand:
Menakao’s approach of processing cocoa beans locally into chocolate helps shorten the intermediary chain, contributing to Madagascar’s economic development. This initiative ensures that the country not only produces cocoa beans but also benefits from the value-added processing industry, leading to more equitable income distribution.

Quality and Traceability:
Working closely with five plantations, Menakao ensures the quality and traceability of each cocoa batch received and processed. Regular visits to their partners allow them to monitor the quality of the beans throughout every stage, from harvesting to sorting, and even the cleanliness of the trucks transporting them. This commitment to quality extends to the choice of ingredients used in their chocolate recipes, ensuring a premium product in every bar.

Bars with the Faces of Madagascar:
At the heart of Menakao chocolates, there are women and men!

We therefore wanted to illustrate our shelves by putting forward the faces of the different ethnic groups that represent the Malagasy people, who are very little known. The Tanala, the Betsimisaraka, the Mahafaly, the Antanosy, the Bara or the Merina, all represented in their headdresses and traditional clothes.

A tribute and a desire to discover a country with multiple cultures that make the richness of Madagascar. Also a wink from the founder of Menakao, who wanted to recall four generations later the first commercial activities of the family: arriving at the beginning of the 19th century, it began in the sale of postcards. These magnificent portraits visible on our cases, painted by the late artist A. RAMIANDRASOA, illustrated postcards of the period.