From Brazil with Love

by Pamela Tailor | January 2024

THE UNIQUE STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF THE CHOCOLATE BAR WAS INSPIRED BY CABRUCA, DENGO’S CACAO ENVIRONMENT. SOURCE: DENGO

I adore being a flâneur. In my last trip to Rio de Janeiro, while strolling through Ipanema and appreciating the charm of Garcia D’Ávila street—home to numerous trendy shops, jewelers, and restaurants — I suddenly discovered Dengo Chocolates. The vibrant designs of its packaging, in combination with the chic yet relaxing atmosphere of the store, immediately captured my attention. The more I discovered about the brand, the prouder I felt to be Brazilian.

DENGO’S CONCEPT STORE, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Dengo is a premium brand with a significant social and environmental impact. In a world where a vast amount of low-quality cocoa is produced globally, Dengo stands out. The brand exclusively selects the finest Brazilian cacao for its chocolate production. In addition to providing technical consultancy for optimal cultivation practices, this commitment ensures that farmers receive fair compensation. This not only motivates the farmers but also fuels their passion for producing top-quality cacao.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT DENGO: TECHNICAL CONSULTANCY AND FAIR COMPENSATION HIGHLY MOTIVATE THE FARMERS IN THE PURSUIT TO QUALITY

"Dengo is all about pleasure with purpose."

THE SCULPTURAL SHAPE SYMBOLIZES SEEDS, FRUITS, AND LEAVES, REINFORCING THE HOLISTIC BRAND CONCEPT

In an exclusive interview with Estevan Sartorelli, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Dengo Chocolates, we had the pleasure to explore the brand's dedication to quality, sustainability, and its Brazilian heritage.

Estevan, could you please tell us a bit of your journey in the pursuit of excellence?

At Dengo we believe that every product, before being ethical or sustainable, must be pleasurable and of high quality. In the food sector, taste isn’t just important; it’s everything. Dengo is all about pleasure with purpose. We are a bean-to-bar chocolate brand. 100% of our chocolates are free of flavorings, preservatives and hydrogenated fats. Our commitment to quality kicks off at Cabruca, a sustainable agroforestry system that supplies 100% of our cocoa beans. Our quality model considers that high-quality chocolate depends on both a superior cocoa bean and the wellbeing of its farmers. Sustainability is more than a tagline for us; it's our core. Being a social impact business from day one, Dengo's main goal is to ensure a decent living income for small- and middle-size cocoa farmers in Brazil.

ESTEVAN SARTORELLI, CO-FOUNDER AND CO-CEO DENGO CHOCOLATES

What challenges arise when sustainability is a central brand pillar?

Firstly, it's about encouraging consumers to make a healthier and more sustainable choice through positive and aspirational communication. Secondly, pricing is a puzzle. We know we need affordable products to make a real impact, but we're also aware of the true cost associated with responsive production. When we fail to pay a fair price, it's the farmers, our health, and the planet that bear the costs on our behalf.

With vibrant designs, Dengo is delightfully Brazilian. How does the brand embody the Brazilian soul?

Brazil is inspiring. Its nature, vibrant colors, rich biodiversity, rich cultural mix, lush forests, delicious fruits, nuts, the energy of its people, and the unique flavors are amazing. We seek to authentically capture the originality deeply rooted in our Brazilian heritage, presenting it with tremendous amount of pride. Our stores cultivate a cozy and warm atmosphere, distinctively Brazilian in style.

DELIGHTFULLY PLAYFUL: WITH THIS REUSABLE PACKAGING, KIDS COULD CUT THE CARDBOARD AND ASSEMBLE ITS PARTS TO DISCOVER THREE BRAZILIAN BIRDS

Dengo's Paris debut is exciting! Any further global expansion plans? Is Germany in your list?

Yes, our first international operation has been launched in Montmartre, Paris, last April 2023. Germany certainly possesses a relevant chocolate market and a high number of conscious consumers. Both reasons make us believe that our products and value proposition probably may fit and perform well here.

- This article has been published on the Edition 211 of the Creativ Verpacken Magazine -

VISIT DENGO CHOCOLATES'S WEBSITE

IMPRESSUM