Divine - Chocolate on a Mission; a presentation by Charlotte Borger

When Divine Chocolate was first proposed here in the UK, the response was often "What a great idea.... But it could never work". 14 years later the company has confounded all those early sceptics, and justified beyond expectations the vision and support of all those that took the risk with this entirely new business model. Divine Chocolate is today available in supermarkets, delis, cafes and Oxfam stores nationwide with a range of over 50 delicious products including something to tempt everyone. It is a champion for Fairtrade, and for social enterprise - and still on a mission to empower smallholder cocoa farmers, and change the chocolate industry for ever. At this Meetup, Charlotte Borger, who is the Communications Director at Divine Chocolate, will give a presentation on the story of Divine's success.

Charlotte joined the farmer-owned Fairtrade chocolate company, Divine Chocolate, in 2003 and over the last ten years has been responsible for a period of major development for the brand across all aspects of communication and marketing. She is also responsible for the international media coverage of Kuapa Kokoo, the farmers’ co-operative in Ghana which owns 45% of Divine Chocolate, making regular trips to Ghana and helping the farmers to manage the growing media interest in their organisation. Charlotte works closely with MD Sophi Tranchell on the company’s corporate communications, maintaining the company’s leading position as a successful alternative business model. She is a frequent speaker in forums ranging from grassroot Fairtrade supporters, to marketers, local government, students and chocolate lovers.

After the presentation and discussion there will also be the usual opportunity for networking. A cash bar will be available on the ground floor of the venue, so please come a little before time if you want to purchase drinks so that we can start promptly. Space is limited, so if you definitely intend coming to this Meetup do sign up early (thank you to those who already have!) to reserve your slot. If your plans change subsequently please amend your YES RSVP so that if there is a waiting list, others can take your place if it turns out that for whatever reason you can't make it on the night.