• Traceability

    what it is

    and why it matters

  • AT VIRUNGA ORIGINS, WE AIM TO SOURCE OUR PRODUCTS RESPONSIBLY, HUMANLY AND WITH LITTLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THROUGH THE USE OF GREEN ENERGY.

    THE ABILITY TO IDENTIFY, TRACK AND TRACE OUR PRODUCTS AS THEY MOVE ALONG THE SUPPLY CHAIN, ENSURES FARMERS ARE PAID FAIRLY. THE RANGERS OF VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK ASSIST WITH THE PROTECTION OF THE LOCAL FARMING COMMUNITIES OF EASTERN CONGO.

Our main supply of cocoa, coffee, chia and vanilla seeds comes from Eastern DRC, an area known to be occupied by various militia groups. Historically, local farmers have been raided for their crops by militia groups. Stolen products like cocoa, were then smuggled into Uganda, where it is resold as a Ugandan product. This means that very little of the added value is retained for the Congolese farmers.

WE OPERATE THROUGH A CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH:

Building Congolese industry, provide employment and assist with protection of vulnerable communities so that production takes place in DRC. By working through local co-operatives, the beans are sold directly to cocoa fermentation centres which ensure the farmers are paid fairly.

OUR 9 STEP TRACEABILITY PROCESS