Theo, Jane Goodall...and Martha Stewart?

September 17, 10:09 PMSeattle Food ExaminerTraca Savadogo

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Theo's new 70% Dark Chocolate bar,
in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute
 

Last week, I attended the first in a series of classes at Theo Chocolate, aptly titled, "Chocolate University." (2 classes left, if you want in on the action...read more about it here.)  While learning about antioxidants and the health properties associated with chocolate (surprisingly, more than you might expect), I also learned about Theo's new partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.

Two fantastic new bars have been added to the Theo line up...the 70% Dark Chocolate and a 45% Milk Chocolate, and both sport a seal profiling Jane Goodall.  The bars were released to the public last Thursday and we had the opportunity to sample them during our class.  When I crave chocolate, these are exactly what I'm looking for.  The flavor profiles are spot on, and devoid of any fillers, you get a pure chocolate experience.

But what does chocolate have to do with Jane Goodall?

A lot., actually.

Cocoa comes from the cacao pod, which grows in tropical regions of the world.  Preserving the rainforest is not only good for the environment, it's vital for chocolate....and the chimpanzee habitat. A Theo-Jane partnership in rainforest preservation makes good sense.

According to Theo, the partnership is inspired by a new Theo initiative, 'Cocoa Practices'.  This is a ground-breaking program is designed to unite small scale farmers, large producers and non-governmental organizations from the world's cocoa producing regions. 'The premise is simple: protecting the livelihood of farmer by giving them the tools they need, plays a pivotal role in conserving the tropical rainforest ecosystems, and helps conserve both indigenous wildlife and other natural resources.

Proceeds from the sale of the new Theo bars will benefit cocoa farmers, promote conservation in the tropical rain forest, and directly contribute to the Jane Goodall Institute's efforts to save chimpanzees.

Jane Goodall is rolling out her new campaign on Martha Stewart's show today.  Cases of chocolate have been shipped to New York for the event.  With any luck, Jane and Martha will be bonding on camera, munching on Theo bars!