Haciendas Limón and Guantupí are two cocoa farms planted with a National cocoa variety known as “Arriba”, a rare, fine ecuadorian cocoa variety currently threatened by the spread of more productive varieties.

Located in the area of influence of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, the haciendas are set across 260 hectares of the best possible soils for growing cocoa. Shaped by volcanic activity, soils here are fertile, deep, well-structured, have a high organic matter content, good moisture retention and drainage.

12Tree is rehabilitating this unique plantation threatened by a high incidence of pests and diseases. Investments are being made in corrective pruning, preventive treatment of pests and diseases, a new drip irrigation system, and organic fertilization. And a brand new post-harvesting center is being put in place for the finest cocoa production.

The genetic materials planted in Haciendas Limon and Guantupí were developed by INIAP (National Institute of Agricultural Research). These materials are of the highest possible quality and correspond to the most demanding chocolate makers' criteria. Cocoa beans from Guantupí and Limon are certified Heirloom Cacao and have won international awards, including:

• Good Food Awards 2018: Winner

• The International Chocolate Salon 2017: various Bronze and Silver awards

• Academy of Chocolate 2016: Silver and Gold

• Academy of Chocolate 2015: Bronze

• Great Taste Awards 2015: 2 x Gold stars

FARM FACTS

REGION: Quevedo, Cotopaxi, Ecuador

SIZE: 192 Ha

MANPOWER: 24 in 2018, reaching 46 in three years

FARM TYPE: Multi-variety fine flavor cocoa

COCOA VARIETIES: EET-19-103-95-96-48, EETP800 and EETP801, CCN51

RAINFALL: 2,785 mm/year

ALTITUDE: 120 m.a.s.l

SOIL: Fertile, deep, and well-drained Andisols

APPROACH: Organic farming

KEY FARMING PRACTICES:

• Plant rehabilitation: Corrective pruning and Fertigation

• Genetic diversity of locally developed and climate adapted cocoa varieties

CERTIFICATION: UTZ-certified by 2021