By Theyo Team
Tumaco is located on the southern tip of Colombia, directly on the Pacific Ocean, and is one of the wettest areas in the world. High humidity and a lot of rain favor the cultivation of crops such as bananas and cocoa. And also the illegal cultivation of coca, the basis for cocaine. The region suffers from drug trafficking, high crime and political conflicts. Growing fine cocoa beans is therefore a real alternative! Since 2011, our partner company Cacao Hunters has been working with cooperatives and farmers in Tumaco, Colombia.
Cocoa instead of cocaine
The Cacao Hunters team has long seen the potential of cocoa in the Tumaco region. That's why it supports the farmers with training and a centralized fermentation and drying process. This means that the quality of their cocoa beans and the efficiency of their work increase enormously. “Those who use the training have already been able to significantly improve their yield,” reports Blanca Vivera, a farmer in one of the cooperatives. “Those who don’t apply the training haven’t been able to increase their yield.”
Through training and improved processes, farmers now achieve 70% higher prices for their cocoa beans. In a region where drug cultivation is very profitable, the cultivation of fine cocoa represents an important economic opportunity.
Transparent cocoa: Figures and prices for the Tumaco cocoa beans from Cacao Hunters from Colombia ©Uncommon Cacao
Women in Chocolate
The cocoa beans from Tumaco grow “biodiversely” between banana trees, coconut palms and orange trees. They are harvested between October and December, then gently fermented and dried in sunlight. Once dried, the workers then select the best cocoa beans by hand. The Cacao Hunters then buy these beans directly from the cooperatives at a fair price, which they communicate transparently. There are currently 586 farmers, including 310 women, organized in the cooperatives. This is really great because women do a lot of the work in the cocoa industry, but they are often very disadvantaged. In some countries, women don't even have the right to own land. Therefore: all the more important!
Premium quality cocoa beans from Colombia ©Uncommon Cacao
Award-winning cocoa from Colombia
We are particularly happy when the award-winning beans make their way to us. We love them for their intense chocolateiness. Subtle spicy notes of whiskey and tobacco round off the aroma perfectly. We refine the Colombian cocoa beans and make cool beans from them. Wonderfully crunchy, wonderfully intense and coated with fine organic cane sugar. Try the Cool Beans from Colombia in our online shop !
You can find more information about the work and chocolate of the Cacao Hunters and the Tumaco region here . Are you really interested in cocoa and chocolate? Then perhaps a chocolate tasting as a team building measure would be just right for you 💃🏻🕺🏻.
Header photo by Perry Stevens on Unsplash
FAQ about cocoa in Colombia
Is cocoa grown in Colombia?
Yes, the south of Colombia is ideal for growing cocoa due to its geographical location.
How much cocoa is grown in Colombia?
In 2021, 66,000 tons of cocoa were produced in Colombia. Around 5 million tons of cocoa are produced worldwide every year, making the South American country one of the smaller producers.
Where does the best cocoa come from?
Of course that depends on taste. We think: Delicious bean-to-bar chocolate is available from all growing regions. Take a look around our shop !
Which people coined cocoa?
The first to consume cacao were the Olmecs, who arrived around 1,500 BC. BC populated the Gulf of Mexico. If you are interested in the history of chocolate, this blog post is just right for you!
