Puna Chocolate, co-owned by Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences alumnus Benjamin Vanegtern, is profiled in Big Island Now. Vanegtern focused on cacao cultivation while at CTAHR and launched his own business with two partners.
Puna Chocolate uses locally grown cacao. Vanegtern and his partner Adam own and cultivate two cacao farms and manage others on the Big Island. Many of the unique and delicious flavorings that are added to the chocolates are also locally produced, such as chili peppers, black sea salt, coconut, and macadamias.
Read more about the little chocolate company that could—especially where to get your hands on these ‘ono bars and drinking chocolates!