In the early 1990s, Hengky Lianto approached the local government and tribal leaders in West Sumba to transform 815 hectares of grazing land to a single estate cacao farm using an agroforestry system. Tall strong teak and mahogany trees provide shade to the cacao trees under their canopies. Areca palm trees are also planted among rows of cacao trees to meet the local demand for palm nuts.

Raphio Chocolate actively builds a strong relationship with the estate owner, who employs 60 to 200 staff throughout the year. Raphio's team conducts on-farm tests for flavor, moisture, and quality for each lot. Only the highest quality beans pass and are sealed in GrainPro-lined custom bags as the final seal of quality control.