Our goal: a sustainably growing future

Our history: Decades of cocoa experience was channeled into the foundation of Minka

MINKA SCS AG was founded in 2012 in Winterthur, Switzerland, by Stefan Bloch and Paul Schönenberger. Having gained decades of experience in raw material procurement and supply chain management, in 2012 they finally combined their know-how and passion for cocoa to form MINKA SCS. 

Our journey – from the foundation to today

Proud to be not a traditional trading company but a multi-origin exporter, they started with their first export company, SUMAQAO, in Peru in 2012, and soon after established operations in Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. In 2016, they diversified their offering with first establishments in Africa, namely in Uganda and shortly after in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Throughout its existence, Minka built up strategic partnerships across East and West Africa.

Our Mission and Values – The MINKA Promise

Minka is a Quechua word which stands for the Inca tradition of undertaking collective work for the benefit of the community. Mirroring this, we truly believe that we have a responsibility to improve the livelihoods of farmers in the origins where we operate, and thus our aim is to continue making a positive impact socially, economically, and environmentally. Consequently, we always endeavour to offer responsibly grown cocoa that meets the expectations of our customers. We take this responsibility very seriously, and our aims and values are enshrined in our Code of Business Ethics.

”This Code applies to everyone in our supply chain, and we choose to foster relationships with partners that share these same ethics and values.”

Stefan Bloch, Managing Partner Minka SCS AG

Over the past decade, MINKA has become a recognised player in the global cocoa trade, that is well positioned to successfully tackle all opportunities and challenges which the future may bring. 

  • 2012

    Founded

  • 120+

    Employees globally

  • 80'000+

    Metric tons annually

  • 5

    Export companies

The future begins in 2023

In July 2023, Paul Reinhart AG acquired a majority stake in MINKA SCS. Reinhart is a centuries-old cotton trading company with a global presence and has been run by family members ever since its foundation in 1788. Its headquarters are also located in Winterthur, within walking distance of MINKA's offices. The two companies share the same culture and core values. This acquisition allows Reinhart to diversify into a new business sector and for the founders of MINKA, it ensures a smooth succession planning in the years to come. The founders Stefan Bloch and Paul Schönenberger will remain involved as managing partners of MINKA, and Adrian Reinhart has joined them on the executive board as of July 2023.

A look into the future: two companies – combined forces

Despite the fact that the two companies originate from different products, they have always shared the same business approach and way of working. The Minka operation in Winterthur and the local subsidiaries in each of the origin countries continue to be operated in the same way but can additionally benefit from Reinhart's global presence, strong network and resources.

”For Reinhart, entering the cocoa industry is an exciting opportunity where we see a flourishing future. We strongly believe that this acquisition is a perfect fit for both companies. The similar working culture lies the foundation, so that Minka and Reinhart can benefit from each other’s strengths and experiences. I look forward to accompanying the further growth and sustainable impact of Minka.”

Adrian Reinhart, Managing Partner Minka SCS AG