Divine Chocolate MD receives First Women Award

Sophi Tranchell, Divine’s MD has been selected as the ‘First Woman of Retail and Property’ in the Real Business/CBI First Women Awards.

Tranchell, who was appointed as Divine’s first MD when it launched as The Day Chocolate Company in 1998, received the award in recognition of her ability to ‘bring Fairtrade products to the independent sector,’ as Margaret Heffernan, entrepreneur and business writer, said when announcing Tranchell’s award.

Heffernan highlighted how: ‘In building the first farmer-owned Fairtrade company. . . Sophi Tranchell is, without question, a groundbreaking retailer, campaigner and businesswoman.’

Divine’s success is grounded in its dedication to ensuring the 45,000 farmers of the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative share in the success of the business.

The farmers currently own a 45 per cent stake in the company and, despite not being profit-driven, Divine has been able to compete in a market saturated by global players.

Tranchell said: ‘This award is lovely – and I am particularly pleased the judges have selected to praise a different way of doing business – the way I hope business will be done in the future.’