#Japan #Tokyo #Lotte #Cacao Pod #Cacao Room

Lotte Unveils Innovative Cacao Pod Connect Program

Lotte Co., Ltd., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo and led by President Hideki Nakajima, has recently launched the 'Cacao Pod Connect Program' aimed at creating new value for cacao pods in collaboration with cacao farmers. This initiative not only seeks to elevate the enjoyment of cacao among consumers but also foster a deeper understanding of cacao's journey to chocolate.

The inaugural event of this program features the 'Cacao Room' at Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho, a luxurious space designed to showcase the potential of cacao pods, which are often discarded. During this limited-time opening, the hotel has transformed a deluxe twin room using dried cacao pods as decor, creating an upscale and sophisticated environment for guests, coinciding with the Valentine’s Day season when interest in chocolate and cacao typically peaks.

Cacao beans are cultivated through extensive labor involving planting, harvesting, fermenting, and sorting, giving life to the juicy fruit within the cacao pod. Unfortunately, many cacao pods are neglected and left to rot, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and becoming breeding grounds for pests. Through the Cacao Pod Connect Program, Lotte collaborates with cacao producers to repurpose these unused pods into dried cacao pods without losing their charm, thus generating new value.

The program aims to introduce fresh ways to appreciate cacao and deepen attachment to chocolate by creating innovative tools that connect producers, manufacturers, and consumers. Additionally, it seeks to explore potential new income streams and employment opportunities for cacao-producing regions, reinforcing the connection among all stakeholders involved in the cacao sector.

Experience the Cacao Room

A Culinary Delight Awaits

The Cacao Room will allow guests to immerse themselves in this unique cacao experience. Under the production of garage Co., Ltd. from Toyohashi, Aichi, the interior of this luxurious room is adorned with stylish items like cacao pod lamps, creating an artistic yet cozy space. Not only does the experience offer exquisite decor, but it also features a special menu themed around chocolate and cacao, available only during the opening.

Upon entering the room, guests will find a distinctive cacao pod case and an assortment of Lotte Group chocolates selected by the staff to match the season. Guests can brew 'cacao tea' from cacao nibs, filling the air with rich, aromatic cacao scents that beckon them into the cacao world. In the evening, a unique cacao plate will be served to guests, offering two types of raw chocolates sourced from different regions to showcase cacao's diverse flavors. With stunning views of the city at night, guests can savor the tastes and aromas of cacao to their heart's content.

Words from the Program Leader

Toshiyuki Koyama, Head of Lotte's Cacao Business Development Department, expressed, "We are thrilled to launch the Cacao Pod Connect Program. The typically discarded cacao pods hold the potential for unique shapes and colors that can create new value. This program allows us to enhance customer understanding of cacao while also fostering an appreciation for its journey to becoming chocolate. We believe this initiative can also lead to new income sources and job creation in cacao-producing regions."

As part of this program, the Cacao Room and various workshops at Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho aim to showcase delightful new ways to explore and cherish chocolate and cacao further. Moving forward, Lotte intends to nurture connections with both producers and consumers while contributing to the future of cacao.

Discover the Cacao Room and make a reservation at: Lotte City Hotel