The strategy focuses on improving the fermentation and drying processes of cacao beans to boost flavor and quality. It begins with optimizing fermentation by selecting high-quality beans and ensuring they are properly sorted and cleaned. The process uses wooden boxes for ideal drainage and consistently monitors temperature and humidity. Techniques include stirring the beans regularly and maintaining proper pH levels, with detailed data recording and microbial analysis to track progress.
Enhancing drying techniques involves immediately drying beans post-fermentation to prevent mold growth. Practices such as utilizing solar drying methods, ensuring even bean spreading, and employing moisture meters are recommended. Protecting the beans from external factors like rain and contaminants is vital, with raised platforms aiding air circulation. Staff training and documentation reinforce these processes.
Quality control measures establish strict standards and a grading system for dried beans. Sensory evaluations and regular reviews of procedures ensure continuous improvement. Collaboration with experts and incorporating technology for bean analysis enhance overall quality. The strategy emphasizes workshops and systematic feedback loops for ongoing refinement.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Optimise the fermentation process
- Select high-quality cacao beans for fermentation
- Ensure beans are properly sorted and cleaned before fermentation
- Use wooden boxes with proper drainage for fermentation
- Monitor temperature and humidity levels consistently
- Stir cacao beans regularly to ensure even fermentation
- Maintain proper pH levels throughout the fermentation process
- Record detailed data on fermentation time and conditions
- Train personnel on optimal fermentation techniques
- Implement quality checks at each fermentation stage
- Utilise microbial analysis to track fermentation progress
⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance drying techniques
- Dry beans immediately after fermentation to prevent mould growth
- Utilise solar drying methods where feasible for uniform drying
- Ensure beans are spread in a thin layer for even drying
- Turn beans regularly during the drying process
- Utilise moisture meters to verify optimal drying time
- Protect drying beans from rain and contamination
- Employ raised drying platforms for air circulation
- Train staff on identifying ideal dryness levels
- Conduct spot checks on bean moisture content
- Document drying times and conditions for future reference
⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement quality control measures
- Set strict quality standards for the final product
- Develop a systematic grading system for dried beans
- Use sensory evaluation to assess flavour profile
- Establish a testing protocol for contaminants
- Regularly review and update fermentation and drying procedures
- Collaborate with local experts for continuous improvement
- Invest in technology to enhance bean analysis
- Review customer feedback and adjust practices accordingly
- Create a traceability system for quality assurance
- Conduct workshops for ongoing employee education
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
