Latitude Trade Co. (LTC), founded in 2016, is a vertically integrated certified B Corp in Uganda sourcing from more than 4,664 certified organic smallholder producers, 2,266 (49%) of whom are women and 3,228 (69%) of whom are individuals under 35 years of age.
“Our mission is to sustainably increase incomes and reduce risk for farm households in the regions where we operate”
Latitude is a certified Benefit Corporation (BCorp) and have earned a score of 96.9 based on the B Impact assessment.
Central Processing
Latitude has a fermentation capacity of 1000MT of dry cacao per year. 100 boxes and 500kg capacity with 6-7 day fermentation protocol and twice daily temperature monitoring. Slow controlled sun-drying on raised beds and patios for 6-7 days ensures the proper moisture content prior to bagging and shipping.
Farmer Prosperity and Security
The producers receive a premium cash price at the point-of-sale. Semuliki Forest cacao is sourced from the region around Bundibugyo in Western Uganda. LTC offers producers training on farm productivity, ecological practices, cacao quality, and finance, as well as support in opening bank accounts and in building credit.
Quality Standards and Practices
Typical bean count is 90-95 beans per 100g with high fat content between 57-61%. Hand sorting occurs at 4 points during the process; at CP prior to purchase, on loading of boxes, on drying tables and after drying to ensure the full removal of debris and lower quality cacao beans.
Highlighting Women
Shallon Tusiime is a powerful example of Ugandan women in leadership. As the Accountant at LTC Bundibugyo branch, she not only oversees accounting for the fresh cocoa purchases, but keeps the office running, pays the taxes, and tracks 230,000kg of fresh cocoa purchased all in cash at 8 collection points in the deep bush where cell phones seldom ring.
Delicious Consistent Flavor
LTC’s centralized fermentation facility and warehouse sits in the village of Kasese, where beans are blended before export to create consistent lots with luscious flavor notes of cinnamon, dark chocolate, and fig.
