Costa Rica | Dominican Republic | Peru | Madagascar
Ecuador
Ecuador is the source of our Los Rios single origin chocolate and our cacao nibs. The Los Rios region of Ecuador produces exceptional cacao, often referred to as Arriba (up river). Our Los Rios chocolate features upfront cacao, hints of flower and citrus rind and a balanced astringency. In our nibs, you may taste hints of banana, tangerine and red berry - the crops that grow with cacao in the native rainforest.
Dagoba works directly with groups of small-scale farmers to obtain this cacao, and our Founder Frederick has visited the farmers to learn about their work and offer technical assistance in post-harvest handling.
Through this relationship, we have been able to ensure that the cacao producers receive sustainable wages while supporting ecological preservation and biodiversity.
Through widespread hybridization, many treasured heirloom cacao varietals have been lost, while others that remain face the threat of loss. Ecuador's once mighty national strain, Arriba Nacional, is one such species on the verge of extinction. Dagoba is working with our Ecuadorian producer partners to revive this varietal.
Sharing in the experience of Los Rios chocolate and our cacao nibs will bring you into this circle, sharing in the rewards of sustainability and partnerships.