mg-akesson-ambolikapiky
Åkesson's Ambolikapiky
Madagascar · Diana Region (Sambirano Valley, Ambanja) reviewed
CriolloAmelonadoadmixture
A long-established estate in the Sambirano Valley near Ambanja, run by the Åkesson family, known internationally for carefully fermented Madagascan cacao and for retaining a rare small block of Criollo-type trees.
| Country | Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Region | Diana Region (Sambirano Valley, Ambanja) |
| Growing region | Africa |
| Coordinates | -13.64°, 48.43° (approx.) |
| Elevation | 20-150 m |
| Producer | estate · Åkesson's (Ambolikapiky Plantation) |
| Genetic groups | Criollo, Amelonado, admixture |
| Traditional class | Trinitario |
| Also known as | Ambolikapiky Plantation, Åkesson's Estate |
| Bean notes | Estate population producing mostly Trinitario-type cacao alongside a small, separately harvested Criollo lot; cacao has been grown on the plantation since the 1920s. |
| Harvest season | main May-Aug; smaller crop Nov-Jan |
| Fermentation | Controlled stepped fermentation through a tiered wooden-box system, about 6 days. |
| Drying | Briefly sun-flash-dried on concrete, then finished on large wooden drying beds. |
| Flavour | red berry · citrus · bright acidity · fresh cocoa |
| Certifications | organic |
| Updated | 2026-05-22 |
Sources
- Cocoa Runners — Åkesson's grower profile
- Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate — Madagascar Sambirano sourcing notes
- Fouet et al. 2021, Beverage Plant Research (Madagascar Criollo genetics)