Chocolaterie Robert expands green energy investment with hybrid power system in Madagascar
The chocolate producer strengthens sustainability with solar panels, cacao shell briquettes, and a biofuel-compatible backup generator.
MADAGASCAR – Madagascar’s leading cocoa and chocolate manufacturer, Chocolaterie Robert, has announced a major investment in renewable energy through the installation of a hybrid power system.
The initiative is designed to enhance sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure uninterrupted production.
The company, which produces under the Chocolat Madagascar brand, has installed 486 photovoltaic solar panels supported by dual German-engineered inverters. This system will generate an estimated 421 megawatt-hours (MWhr) of clean electricity annually.
According to the company, the renewable energy is fed into the national grid, contributing to the country’s transition to green power while lowering CO₂ emissions.
As part of a wider environmental strategy, Chocolaterie Robert has also converted its boiler to operate on briquettes derived from cacao shells, a byproduct of its chocolate-making process. These briquettes now power the company’s cocoa butter press, demonstrating an innovative approach to waste utilization and sustainable energy sourcing.
In July 2025, the company further strengthened its energy security with the installation of a 550 KVA backup generator manufactured in the UK and Turkey.
The generator, fully compatible with biofuels, ensures uninterrupted operations during extended grid outages, protecting production capacity and delivery timelines.
“In Madagascar’s uncertain energy environment, our investment ensures production continuity and improved lead times, reduces environmental impact, and reflects our core values of sustainability and innovation,” said Hery Andriamampianina, Technical Director of Chocolaterie Robert.
Established in 1940, Chocolaterie Robert is Madagascar’s largest chocolate producer and a pioneer in promoting the aromatic qualities of the island’s cocoa.
The company owns a plantation in the Sambirano Valley, which supplies high-quality cacao beans for its chocolate and semi-processed products, maintaining strict quality standards while emphasizing ethical and sustainable practices.
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