Chocolate is not only about the final product we enjoy. Behind every piece of chocolate, there is a story about farmers, cacao trees, craftsmanship, and the passion of people who dedicate their lives to creating extraordinary flavors.
A meaningful moment happened in North Lombok when Yvan Valentin, a French chocolatier with a long journey in the world of chocolate, visited Vancacao Vanilla & Chocolate Agritourism and met Jabat Menjulu, the inspiring farmer behind the development of Ijo Kajuman cacao, a unique cacao variety from North Lombok.
For many years, Yvan Valentin has dedicated his life to understanding chocolate as a noble ingredient. His journey started from the world of French pastry and continued into chocolate craftsmanship, where he focused on creating chocolate products with strong character, quality ingredients, and a deep appreciation for flavor. His philosophy reflects the belief that great chocolate is not only about appearance but also about respecting the ingredients behind it.
This philosophy connects deeply with the story of Ijo Kajuman cacao, a local cacao from North Lombok developed by Jabat Menjulu. Unlike ordinary cacao varieties, Ijo Kajuman has unique characteristics, including its distinctive green cacao pods and larger cacao beans.
Behind this cacao is a story of dedication from a local farmer who believes that Lombok has the potential to produce exceptional cacao. Through years of observation, cultivation, and preservation of local genetic resources, Jabat Menjulu continues to develop Ijo Kajuman as a cacao with its own identity and story.
During his visit to Vancacao, Yvan Valentin had the opportunity to learn directly about the journey of Lombok cacao, meet the farmer behind Ijo Kajuman, and understand how local cacao is developed from the plantation level.
This meeting represents a beautiful connection between two different journeys:
The journey of a farmer who grows and protects cacao from the soil of Lombok, and the journey of a chocolatier who transforms cacao into meaningful chocolate experiences.
At Vancacao Vanilla & Chocolate Agritourism, we believe that the future of chocolate begins with collaboration. Improving cacao quality requires cooperation between farmers, chocolate makers, researchers, and consumers who appreciate the story behind every product.
Through this meeting, we hope Ijo Kajuman cacao can continue to grow as an example of how local Indonesian cacao can have a place on the global chocolate map.
Because every great chocolate begins with a great story.
A story of the land.
A story of farmers.
A story of passion.
A story waiting to be shared with the world.
From North Lombok cacao farms to the world of chocolate every bean carries a journey.
Vancacao Vanilla & Chocolate Agritourism
Connecting Farmers, Cacao, and Chocolate Makers Through Sustainable Experiences.