Celebrating World Cacao Day - From the Source.
From Ecuador, with flavor, roots, and care.
From Ecuador, the birthplace of fine flavor cacao, we join the world in honoring this extraordinary fruit—its past, its future, and the hands that carry it forward. For centuries, cacao has been a cornerstone of Ecuador’s cultural and agricultural identity. By the 1800s, it had become the country’s most valuable export—so treasured it was called pepa de oro (golden seed). By the early 20th century, Ecuador was producing more than 50% of the world’s cacao.
“Arriba del río” — up the river, where the finest cacao was found.
The richness of its soil, the biodiversity of its ecosystems, and the heirloom variety known as Nacional made this small country a global epicenter of flavor.
The Legacy of Ecuadorian Cacao
Survival, Flavor, and Cultural Heritage
But every legacy is tested. In the 1920s and 1930s, cacao crops were devastated by disease—especially witch’s broom, a fungal plague that crippled production and wiped out rural livelihoods. Thousands of families lost their farms. And yet—through resilience, seed-saving, and ancestral knowledge—cacao endured.
Ecuador’s unique geography gave rise to the Nacional heirloom variety, genetically native to this land. Known globally as Arriba Nacional, this cacao is revered for its floral aromas and complex flavor profile.
Did you know?
“Arriba” came from cacao traders asking where to find the best cacao.
The answer? Up the river.
Today, Nacional faces a new challenge: the rise of high-yield hybrid cacao (CCN-51), widely used in monocultures by large corporations focused on volume, not flavor. These practices threaten the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Ecuador’s cacao ecosystem.
Direct Trade Chocolate from Ecuador
Conexión’s Regenerative Model
At Conexión Chocolate, we walk beside the people who carry this legacy in their hands and hearts. We work with:
- Four cacao cooperatives
- More than 4,500 family farmers
- Across Ecuador’s diverse regions
Many farm small plots—less than three hectares—where cacao grows under the canopy of native trees. These are living ecosystems, deeply tied to family history and cultural stewardship.
Sustainable Chocolate
How We Farm, Trade, and Craft at Origin
Preservation, Biodiversity & Regenerative Agriculture
We support shade-grown cacao in agroforestry systems. Our partnerships are rooted in environmental care and community resilience, not extractive systems.
Direct Trade, Traceability & Ethics
We build transparent, fair relationships with farmers. Every chocolate bar tells a story of dignity and direct origin. You can trace it—and taste it.
Outstanding Quality for Culinary Creators
Crafted in small batches at origin, our chocolate honors the terroir of Ecuador’s heirloom Nacional cacao. Made for chefs and artisans who value sustainable chocolate, depth, nuance, and authenticity.
“This is not just farming—it’s stewardship.”
We created the Cacao & Chocolate Summit to unite farmers, chocolate makers, scientists, and allies. This annual gathering is a space to share knowledge, tackle challenges, and shape the future of Ecuador’s cacao.
As we prepare our summer chocolate shipment for culinary creators across the U.S., we look forward to sharing the soul of Ecuador’s cacao with those who value origin, story, and extraordinary craft.
Taste the Origin
Celebrate World Cacao Day with Ethical Chocolate
On this World Cacao Day, we invite you to taste more than chocolate. Taste history, resilience, and connection. Thank you for choosing Origin. Thank you for choosing Conexion.
From Ecuador, Jenny Samaniego
Founder, Conexión Chocolate