Our Origins in Northern Sulawesi
Arenga Sugar Palms grow in South East Asia and the best varieties are found in Indonesia, where the wetter regions provide perfect growing conditions. We started our operation in Manembo Village in the remote and fertile volcanic mountains of Northern Sulawesi, the traditional heartland of the Sugar Palm. Hence the business was named, C.V Manembo Aren. Having studied socially-based Palm Sugar production, we were inspired to create this enterprise to connect small-scale tappers with export markets … seeing an opportunity to improve cooking efficiency, health, hygiene, livlihoods and environmental impacts in the process. The intention is to realise over time sustainability goals on behalf of the participating tappers, in dialogue with respected advisors. We have a pilot factory in Manembo, and a formal working relationship with a forestry co-operative in Gorontalo.

