Cocoakit

The cocoa tree – Theobroma Cacao – grows in the warm and humid equatorial belt within 10°N and 10°S of the equator. Although the origins of the tree are disputed, it can be traced to the tropical regions of Venezuela, Honduras and Mexico. Some believe that it originally grew in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, others in Mexico. Scientific proof indicates more and more that the real cradle of cocoa and chocolate lies in the Ulúa valley in Honduras. Today though, cocoa is cultivated globally, albeit in a narrow belt around the equator: in carefully grown plantations in the tropical rainforests of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The hundreds of cross-breeds that exist today, go back to these 3 basic botanic cocoa species.
Cocoa is cultivated worldwide on the tropical belt between 10° north and south of the equator. All over the world, our cocoa tracers track down the finest cocoa beans, even in the most remote areas and plantations.

Criollo
Criollo yields extremely rare cacao with an exceptional flavor. It represents less than 2% of the world’s production. Criollo is found in the Caribbean and Latin America, in particular Ecuador.

Forastero
Forastero is a very robust cacao tree, easier to cultivate. It yields “bulk cacao” that gives chocolate its familiar basic taste. Almost all African plantations consist of Forastero varieties.

Trinitario
Trinitario combines the best of Criollo and Forastero. This cross has fairly good resistance to plant diseases and strong wind.

Cocoa is cultivated worldwide on the tropical belt between 10° north and south of the equator. All over the world, our cocoa tracers track down the finest cocoa beans, even in the most remote areas and plantations.