TABANAN, DEWATA.NEWS – Nyanyi Bali Group has partnered with French chocolate company Valrhona to develop a sustainable cocoa plantation called the Valrhona Cocoa Forest in Tabanan, Bali.
The approximately one-hectare site is designed as Valrhona’s first collaborative learning center in Asia based on cocoa cultivation. The plantation has been developed to resemble a traditional cocoa garden using agroforestry and agroecological farming methods.
Development of the site took around three years and follows a regenerative agriculture approach aimed at maintaining soil health and managing water resources sustainably.
Around 10 varieties of cocoa have been planted in the area, combined with a range of trees and endemic Indonesian plants. The approach is intended to maintain ecological balance while supporting environmentally responsible cocoa farming practices.
Managing Director of Nyanyi Bali, Made Ariani Siswanto, said the collaboration is also connected to the group’s culinary education initiatives that have been developed in recent years.
According to her, the program highlights the importance of understanding natural ecosystems and food ingredients as part of developing gastronomy knowledge.
In addition to the cocoa plantation, the partnership aims to strengthen the cocoa and chocolate value chain. Valrhona will support the development of fermented cocoa bean supply so that local producers can access the premium chocolate market.
Educational activities are also expected to expand through learning programs for students as well as training sessions for chefs through the École Valrhona program.
Valrhona Head of Strategic Growth and New Ventures Emmanuelle Brun said the learning center is expected to improve understanding of cocoa, from cultivation processes to chocolate production.
She noted that the initiative could help connect different stakeholders, including farmers, culinary professionals, and consumers, in supporting a more sustainable cocoa industry.
Industry data shows that Indonesia is currently the seventh-largest cocoa producer in the world, contributing around 4 percent of global production.
Strengthening upstream agricultural sectors and improving farmer welfare are considered important factors in the future development of Indonesia’s cocoa industry.
Nyanyi Bali Director Nyoman Astari Siswanto said the Valrhona Cocoa Forest is intended to become an open learning space that connects cocoa cultivation, education, and culinary development.
The initiative is also expected to introduce cocoa as part of Bali’s broader gastronomic experience while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local cocoa farmers.