In March and April InterContinental Hong Kong showcases its Fair Trade Chocolate Afternoon Tea with the award-winning “Le Chocolatier Ivoirien by Axel Emmanuel”, marking the Asia/Greater China debut of one of the Ivory Coast's first ethically produced chocolates.

"Le Chocolatier Ivoirien" is the realisation of the vision of a young 35-year old Ivorian, Axel Emmanuel, who left his promising career as a banker to develop one of the first homegrown chocolate brands in the Ivory Coast.   He sold his first bar in 2015 and was previously crowned Chocolatier of Ivory Coast, Vice-Chocolatier of Africa; in 2015 President Ouattara named him Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

"We did not have national chocolatiers so I rose to the challenge," he says.   Axel Emmanuel's chocolates are “Made in Ivory Coast” using only natural flavours such as dried ginger, chili pepper or plaintain for taste with a stunning visual signature inspired by traditional African fabrics celebrating its African heritage.

Axel Emmanuel's mission is to 'think global, but act local” by promoting better distribution of income from the exploitation of cacao through direct partnership with producers, including farmers and their communities in the value chain and raising awareness about the preservation of the environment.

"Le Chocolatier Ivoirien” is made by the Coopbel Coopérative du Bélier, which employs 200 women from farming families in the Ivory Coast. This initiative has empowered local women and communities, with both the farmers and their families involved not only in the harvesting of the cacao beans, but also the chocolate making process, with full traceability. Please refer to the link below for further details:
Discover more about Coopbel Coopérative du Bélier

“Le Chocolatier Ivoirien by Axel Emmanuel” was also featured in the Netflix Documentary "Rotten" - “Bitter Chocolate” (Season 2, Episode 5) in Fall 2019 as one of the initiatives helping to create systemic change in the cocoa industry in the Ivory Coast.  

Purchases of “Le Chocolatier Ivoirien” are used for rural chocolate implantation. To date over 1,000 women have benefited from this project.
Discover more about “Le Chocolatier Ivoirien by Axel Emmanuel”

InterContinental Hong Kong's Fair Trade Chocolate Afternoon Tea with “Le Chocolatier Ivoirien by Axel Emmanuel”

Working directly with Axel Emmanuel, InterContinental Hong Kong's Executive Chef Maxime Luvara and Executive Pastry Chef Christian Gonthier have been inspired to create a unique afternoon tea set showcasing Axel's Fair Trade Chocolate.

Savoury Items by Executive Chef Maxime Luvara:
-    Foie Gras Terrine, Rhubarb Jelly, Ivorian Cocoa Nibs on Brioche Toast
-    Shredded Organic Chicken, MEAGUI Chocolate Mole Sauce, Gruyere Cheese in a Taco Shell
-    Braised Beef Cheek “Vol au Vent”, AZAGUIE “Grand Cru” Beef Jus, Dried Fruit
-    Poached Scallop, Pickled Daikon, Chocolate Infused Soy & Sake Dressing
-    Witlof “Tart Tatin” & Lobster Tartar, GUEMON Chocolate Caramel

Desserts by Executive Pastry Chef Christian Gonthier:
-    Macaron filled with Bitter AZAGUIE “Grand Cru” Cremeux
-    Passion Fruit Sacher Cube, MEAGUI Dark Chocolate from the Forest Plantation
-    Pineapple and Coconut tartlet, Cocoa Nibs
-    Tonka Bean Cream and GUEMON Milk Chocolate Soft Ganache
-    Plain and Raisin Scones Served with Clotted Cream, Earl Grey Tea Jelly and Strawberry Jam

The Afternoon Tea Set is served with a selection of Fine Mariage Frères Tea or Coffee.
HK$698 for two persons +10% service charge (March 1 – April 30, 2020)
Monday-Friday: 2:30pm – 6:00pm / Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 1:30pm – 6:00pm

Lobby Lounge: Open 12 noon – 12 midnight daily
Please note that the Lobby Lounge does not accept reservations.

InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
+ (852) 2721 1211    hongkong@ihg.com  www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com
For further information, please call +(852) 2313 2323 or e-mail: fb.hongkong@ihg.com

IMAGE LINKS:  
Click here for images of the InterContinental Hong Kong Fair Trade Chocolate Afternoon Tea and “Le Chocolatier Ivoirien by Axel Emmanuel”.
For a full selection of images of InterContinental Hong Kong's Lobby Lounge, please click here.

For media enquiries, please contact:

InterContinental Hong Kong
Carole L Klein, Executive Director of PR & Communications
 +852 2313 2335 /  carole.klein@ihg.com