In the 1970’s, Robert Rodale, son of American organic pioneer, J.I. Rodale, coined the term ‘regenerative organic agriculture’ to distinguish a kind of farming that goes beyond simply “sustainable.” This regenerative farming practice has started a revolution amongst farmers, consumers, and buyers of product. Cacao farmers have become great leaders in this regenerative farming practice and have helped spread the word through the taste of their craft chocolate, made with 100% pure cacao.

Chocolatier companies worldwide have begun purchasing sustainable and regenerative cacao to become part of a bigger story that not only invites more farmers to follow in this path, but makes consumers feel better about the product they are purchasing. Not to mention this is some of the most delicious chocolate out there!

Cholaca and Regeneration

At Cholaca, we source our beans exclusively from heirloom cacao farms owned and operated by regenerative farmer cooperatives on the lush Ecuadorian Pacific coast where the elements perfectly converge and create optimal conditions for shade-grown, beyond-organic production. This rich terroir imparts a uniquely rich and exquisite flavor to our beans.

We have recently partnered up with Chocolatier companies who follow similar regenerative guidelines in the sourcing of their chocolate. We believe that it is important to come together with more like minded chocolate businesses to bring the attention to the importance of regeneratively sourced cacao to consumers.

Why is it Important to the Chocolate Business?

It is important for craft chocolatiers to source the most high quality, regenerative cacao because it is their mission to remake agriculture in natures image. They want the operation of their companies to be beneficial for life on earth, not just human life, but of all life!

Small craft Chocolatier companies like Cacoco, Philosopher’s Stoneground, Firefly, Yellow Seed and Cholaca have joined together as a part of this “regenerative revolution.” As a team they are able to gain access to sources like eco-cacao and can continue to do right by people and planet while not having to import a container by themselves. When a company like Cholaca provides the container to a group of chocolatiers they all benefit by purchasing cacao at a lower price. These collaborative efforts lead to a better understanding of why people should care about the source of their chocolate.

A Word from Chocolatiers

Tim Richard’s – Chief Philosopher and Nut Alchemist of Philosopher’s Stoneground
Our vision as a craft chocolate company is to be a part in creating a new supply chain based on regenerative agriculture and creating a whole system of orchards where it’s not just one crop, but an entire food producing eco-system. Being an economic engine for creating this kind of agriculture to be the norm on our planet.

Jonas Ketterle – Chocolate Maker at Firefly
It’s important for me to source cacao that reflects the highest environmental/social standards for growing cacao because I’ve traveled often in developing countries, and seen people’s livelihoods and communities at stake on the other end of the cacao supply chain. Recognizing and honoring the human to human connection in international commerce is a first step towards ameliorating centuries of colonial exploitation in trade of tropical goods.

Liam Blackmon and Tony Portugal – Co-founders of Cacoco
We are on a mission to revive the ancient tradition of the molten chocolate vitality elixir– real chocolate, as it’s meant to be! As drinking chocolate revivalists, we take pride in handcrafting our chocolate from unroasted, Ecuadorian cacao that has been regeneratively* harvested.

By using cacao from regenerative practices, we support the evolution of sourcing systems that go beyond organic and beyond fair-trade. But, it is ultimately you who decides how much impact for good we can make together. That is why when you drink, you join the tribe that heals the Earth, and we drink together!