Blog

The chocolate story dates back almost 4,000 years to ancient Mesoamerica civilisations, including the Olmecs, Mayans, Incas and Aztecs. At first, chocolate was a drink. The Aztecs mixed crushed … read more

From Banana Farm to Chocolate Paradise: The Charley's Story In 2012, Lynn and Chris Jahnke saw possibility where others saw just a run-down banana farm. Today, that vision has transformed into Ch … read more

Cocoa trees at Charley's Mt Edna Plantation The secret to exceptional chocolate isn't just in the making – it's in the growing. And here in Far North Queensland, we've got something specia … read more

Welcome to Paradise: Where World-Class Chocolate Meets World Heritage Beauty Nestled in the heart of Australia's two world heritage areas, the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef we' … read more

FNQ cocoa 1880 Most people don't know this, but cacao growing in Australia has had more comebacks than a boomerang! Back in the 1800s, early settlers tried and failed to grow cacao along the Queensla … read more

This is the third blog on the cocoa industry in Australia and globally. The world price of cocoa did not change much in the past 25 years, average price was US$2,5000 to US$3,300. Then in 2023 the con … read more

Cassowary sightingYou can be lucky and see a cassowary at Mission Beach. Board member Pete Faulkner provided this photo. Cassowaries tend to stay to their territory; until chicks are evicted. His prop … read more

West African cocoa growers are struggling; retail chocolate prices are likely to rise and FNQ has an opportunity to become a world class cocoa growing area if more farmers substitute cocoa for su … read more

Halloween, a holiday synonymous with spooky fun and delicious treats, has evolved over centuries from ancient rituals to the candy-centric celebration we know today. While it’s a day dedicated to ghos … read more

Is cocoa farming for you?Do you fancy a lifestyle changeBecome a cocoa farmerJunior cocoa tree on Block 4 at Charley’sFar North Queensland (FNQ) has the right climate, near the equator with rainfall … read more