It is in the old railway station of Montemor-o-Novo that Melgão Cacau e Chocolates, Lda., managed by the brothers António and Serafim Melgão, transforms cocoa beans carefully selected at origin, into unique chocolates, thus becoming a “factory floor”. revolutionary offering through new flavors and textures.
The company, which this year marks its 5th anniversary as an AIP member, knows that professionals and chocolate lovers are looking for new things and ways to innovate in an increasingly demanding market. Therefore, Melgão's mission is to offer unique products that stand out for their delicacy and aroma.
It has continually invested in cocoa training and research, combining the traditional technique of chocolate production with the rarest and finest cocoa in the world, leading to unique manufacturing in Portugal, and thus allowing the brand to stand out in the industry. national chocolate maker.
Combining the rarity of the cocoa beans it grows around the world and the traditional flavors, it creates a link between the different cocoa cultures and the palate of those who enjoy the flavor of their products, giving rise to traditional chocolates with the unique flavor of their cocoa beans.
We think not only about the quality of our products but also about our people
And the planet? Also. “Our first concern is the selection of cocoa”, highlights António Melgão when explaining the values that guide the purchase of raw material: “Before signing any contract with cocoa producers, we are careful to check the location of plantations in order to verify compliance with environmental standards, promoting the preservation of the forest and the entire surrounding environment”.
Investing in environmentally friendly energy is also an added value. “Two thirds of our energy is produced locally through a photovoltaic plant established at our facilities”, he says when detailing the process: “The waste resulting from our production is properly separated and sent to the appropriate locations. Our packaging is recyclable, and there is continuous research into the use of environmentally friendly materials.”
And people? “We care from the cocoa producer to the final consumer”, guarantees António Melgão, who has more than 20 years of experience with chocolate.
“All of our cocoa comes from small farmers, organized in cooperatives and we guarantee that you earn fair value for your work. We promote fair trade, in no way accepting the use of child labor.”
The establishment of protocols with cooperatives, with a view to creating funds to support farmers with special needs, is one of the strategic objectives of the company that cares for those who work: “Our employees have access to a good work space, with lots of light, hygiene and safety conditions, continuous training, always promoting team spirit”.
And our chocolate? Always with a view to achieving excellent products, “quality control is, for us, and at all stages of the process, something of extreme importance, from the cocoa harvest to the final product”, he states.
Melgão complies with all legal and food safety standards throughout the entire manufacturing procedure, having its own quality control laboratory.
