Grown in Grenada, Crafted in the Cotswolds
Fine-flavour dark chocolate from a family-run cocoa farm
We are a family of cocoa farmers and chocolate-makers
Descendent of East Indian Immigrants, Lawrence Ramdhanny grew up to become a well-respected cocoa trader in Grenada. Through hard work and some luck, he was able to make his dream of owning a cocoa farm a reality, purchasing L’Esterre Estate in 1949.
He sold cocoa direct to customers whilst supporting neighbouring farms by purchasing and processing their cocoa. However over the years, laws changed, as did the industry. Their farm, once a thriving asset, soon became a liability, the prospect for many cocoa farms today.
Decades later, Lawrence’s granddaughter learnt from her relatives the regenerative organic principles employed at L’Esterre and the rural livelihoods the land supported. Determined to change the outlook, she knew the answer was in making their own chocolate.
And so they did, starting life from a little cottage in the Cotswolds: tree-to-bar chocolate, grown and produced by the family, and ending with you.
Shop Chocolate
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Chocolate Box Gift Sets
All Gift sets include 3 x packets of chocolate button, an optional...
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Chocolate Box Gift Sets
All Gift sets include 3 x packets of chocolate button, an optional...
How we do things
Growing Practices
Our diverse cultivation of trees and agricultural crops intercropped with our cocoa trees captures carbon from the atmosphere, putting it back into the soil where it becomes food for plants. Stronger soil regulates air and water underneath, encouraging a continuous fresh water cycle. This means no nutrients and water are lost through soil erosion, maintaining resilience in our local ecosystem.
This method of growing is more biologically productive, our soil is continually enriched and nutritious, achieving higher yield and healthy, thriving crops.
Supply Chain
After the cocoa harvest, fermentated and and properly sun-dried, the cocoa is sorted at L'Esterre Estate before being taken to our friends at Crayfish Bay to be processed into cocoa nibs.
The nibs then make their way to the UK, where Bobbie grinds, conchs and hand tempers each and every chocolate button from her cottage in the Cotswolds.
This approach is the first step in a wholly-owned supply chain. No middle man. It starts with us and ends with you.
As we are a small, home-grown start up, we are consistently looking for ways to improve. If you have any feedback please get in touch via email: bobbie@lesterreorganicsgrenada.com or DM us on Instagram
Flavour
First cultivated in Grenada in 1714, cocoa has taken to Grenada's favourable climate like a fish to water. Our nutrient-dense volcanic soil results in a fruity, flowery cocoa bean.
We grow largely Triniatario with a small amount of Criollo. This allows us to achieve maximum flavour and quality potential.
Flavours vary from harvest to harvest but the persistent tasting notes that have come through are berry, deep citrus and caramel with a buttery satin mouth-feel.
Heritage
The beating heart behind L'Esterre is the Ramdhanny family. Well ingrained in the Grenadian community, the family's roots on the island can be traced back to 1857, coinciding with the arrival of Indian immigrants to the country. Learn more about our journey here.
Our family values extend beyond the bloodline. For more than seven decades, our tight-knit team of friends, farmers, gardeners and cooks have made us who we are today. Active members within our community, we prioritise local employment, benefitting the wider region.
It begins with us, and ends with you
As a wholly-owned supply chain, we nurture flavour and quality in every process. Our cocoa is grown according to nature’s principles, making it naturally plant based and preservative free, as all chocolate needs are good beans and sugar. We add value at origin, processing cocoa to nibs in Grenada, supporting our rural community for over seven decades and counting.
Let customers speak for us
Absolutely loved it. So incredibly flavourful! And the shape is unusual and fun.
Tastes like chocolate should, but almost never does!
The taste is so distinctly unique it is addictive!
We have just tried the 70%. Absolutely the best flavoured chocolate we have tasted. Rich but not overpowering. The size is perfect to serve with coffee or refresh palates after food. Have the 70% and the 80% to try . Watch this space .
Given these buttons for Christmas - utterly fantastic. The clean flavour of each button, left on the tongue to melt, was a revelation. How chocolate should taste, with subtle distinct notes.
Lovely chocolate, smooth yet full of depth.
It’s quite hard to stand out when the choice of high quality chocolate is (thankfully) always improving, but L’Esterre’s 85% really did everything I wanted it to - rich chocolate with some sharp berry notes and overall a clean intense flavour without being too sweet. Will def eat again!
Beautiful buttons - delicious and carefully presented. Not to mention the story and work behind them. What a gorgeous product; strong recommend!
Delicious,rich and creamy, full of flavour.Made very indulgent choc chip cookies with the buttons but just popping one of those in the mouth and slowly enjoying it on its own is a delightful treat.
Completely love the story behind L'Esterre and the chocolates did not disappoint. The chocolate was incredible and super tasty. A great pick me up on any day.
Absolutely outstanding chocolate - you can really taste the quality of the ingredients and the care that has been put into every piece! Something special about Grenadian chocolate and this is the best brand I’ve tried by far. 70% is my favourite but have tried most and they are all amazing. Will be a repeat customer, thank you again! Max
Beautifully rich and dark, but not too bitter. Subtly, but perfectly sweet. The complex flavours in the cocoa really shine through—this is just how chocolate is supposed to taste! In my eyes, you can’t get chocolate any better!
The most delicious chocolate buttons that melt in your mouth! They come in a beautiful gift box so make the perfect Christmas present. Thank you L’Esterre!
My husband and I truly love the starter collection!!! They are now our favorite bean to bar chocolate. They taste beautifully smooth, even the 75% packs a small punch but still has a lovely mellow flavour and with delicious fruity and caramel smell. My husband’s favourite is the 70%. I love all of them with a very tiny preference for the 70% too. Will be ordering more for sure!!!!
L'Esterre in the Press
