BRAND NEWS Pachakuti Cacao brand builds UK growth


A North West-based ceremonial cacao company is expanding its UK presence, with one founder in Formby and the other working directly with indigenous cacao-growing communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Pachakuti Cacao is led by Steve Gravener, who manages UK sales and distribution, and Roman Belkowski, who has been based in Ecuador since 2016. Roman oversees harvesting, fermentation and drying, maintaining long-term relationships with local producers, while Steve focuses on growing the brand in the UK. The business began as a wholesale supplier


before launching retail once sourcing and quality control were established. It now offers ceremonial-grade cacao made from heirloom Arriba Nacional beans, alongside guayusa tea and palo santo. The cacao is sold as a pure 100% product, typically prepared as a warm drink and often used in wellness or ritual settings. Production uses chakra farming, an indigenous agroforestry system that grows cacao alongside fruit trees, medicinal plants and native vegetation rather than monocropping. This approach affects yield and seasonality, meaning supply remains carefully managed. Since launching online via its website and Amazon UK, Pachakuti Cacao has seen early


traction, including repeat orders. Gravener said the company had already validated the product through wholesale, giving confidence to expand without relying on guesswork. Belkowski emphasised the importance of


working at source: “Being present in Ecuador allows us to retain control over quality… we oversee the process from harvest through


Hames Chocolates launches Giant Buttons range


Hames Chocolates, the Lincolnshire-based chocolatier, is expanding its range with the launch of Giant Buttons in Milk Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Caramel. The products come in 100g resealable stand-up pouches (RSP £3.99) and will be available from 1 April across convenience, wholesale, and Amazon channels. The range is designed to deliver strong shelf impact and drive incremental sales. Created in response to demand for indulgent, sensory-led


treats, the oversized buttons offer improved melt and mouthfeel. The Caramel variant adds texture contrast, combining a smooth milk chocolate shell with a flowing caramel centre. Packaging features bold colour blocking and clear flavour cues


to stand out in impulse displays and secondary placements. The resealable pouch supports sharing and repeat purchase, while maintaining a premium yet accessible price point. Carol Oldbury, Director at Hames Chocolates, said the range reflects growing interest in nostalgic flavours like milk chocolate


and caramel, alongside demand for texture-driven indulgence and formats suited to both impulse buying and sharing. She added that the sharing pouch segment presents a strong opportunity for retailers, combining familiar flavours with added quality and visual appeal. Manufactured at the company’s Lincolnshire facility, the Giant


Buttons range also delivers on sustainability. It uses Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa and 100% recyclable packaging, helping retailers meet environmental targets while offering consumers a more responsible treat option.


fermentation and drying.” He added that avoiding intermediaries helps maintain consistency, even if it limits scale. Looking ahead, the founders say growth


will focus on increasing UK visibility while maintaining standards. Products are sold online, with prices ranging from £6 for samples to £60 for one-kilo formats.


APRIL 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 9


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