Foodies, chocoholics and socially conscious consumers have the chance to be part of the future of fair trade plus win their weight in chocolate after bean-to-bar chocolate company MIA kicked off a fundraising campaign on the Seedrs platform.
With 65% of the world’s cocoa coming from Africa but less than 1% of chocolate actually made there, MIA is out to change this sad status quo and is looking for investors to join the journey.
MIA, short for Made In Africa, is different in that it is a daring and disruptive benchmark in the specialty and ethical food markets for its ability to deliver delicious tasting and beautiful products that are entirely crafted in Africa.
By doing this, MIA brings three to four times more benefit to local communities (vs. export of raw ingredients).
Successfully launched in the UK in November 2017, the seven-strong range of MIA bars is now also available in Australia, Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands.
The company is looking to raise £100K to support further expansion, increase production, fund new vital equipment at the factory in Madagascar, implement a strategic marketing program and to launch new and exciting products.
For full details of the MIA crowdfund proposal, visit: www.seedrs.com/mia/sections/idea
Co-founder Brett Beach said:
“Africa and its people cultivate some of the most desired ingredients in the world but they continue to be exploited and often lack the infrastructure for industry.
“As a result, the 47 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa remain especially poor. Despite representing 12% of the world’s population, the region accounts for less than 2% of world trade and many communities are dependent on aid for survival.
“We believe in a world where quality African food products create a meaningful connection between consumers in developed nations and producers in some of the poorest communities on earth.
“Essentially, we’re developing what we see as fair trade 2.0, a business model that goes beyond raw ingredients to bring production benefits to communities in Africa. It’s incredibly challenging but equally rewarding and a chance to help change the course of history in the food industry.
“We have proven that the finest quality chocolates can be produced at source in Madagascar and that by doing this the benefit to local communities is more than threefold compared to the export of cocoa.
“We want to champion African growers, farmers, producers, entrepreneurs and manufacturers and we want some likeminded investors to join us on this journey in which chocolate is just the beginning.”
The MIA Mission
Set up by a group of foodies with a shared passion for the African continent, its people, wildlife and natural ingredients, each and every MIA product is crafted from start to finish in Africa give three to four times more benefit to local communities (vs. export of raw ingredients).
The unique “fair-made” MIA bars come in stunning 75g packs priced at £4.00. The entire bean-to-bar chocolate making process – including the roasting, shelling, grinding, tempering and even packaging – takes place under one roof in Madagascar to ensure the freshest ingredients and the unique flavours of the terroir.
The MIA brand is partnered with Proudly Made in Africa (PMIA) to ensure that products aren’t just made on the continent but are produced with as many locally sourced ingredients and materials as possible.
MIA is committed to a 1 for Change programme which ensures that 1% of all MIA sales are dedicated to development projects in places where a little goes a long way. Whether it’s projects to help save local endangered species or to improve a community’s livelihoods, the scheme is central to the brand’s philosophy.
For further information, visit:
Instagram – www.instagram.com/miaflavour/
Facebook – www.facebook.com/miaflavour
