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Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the source of the cacao used in our Conacado bar, Chocodrops 73% and other products. We obtain this cacao from the Conacado Cooperative, a 9,000-member Fair Trade cacao cooperative and the largest organic Fair Trade co-op in the world. Conacado's farmers are leaders in sustainable farming and can dance a great merangue!
Their beans are rich and robust, with strong up front notes of cacao and aromatic spice qualities such as nutmeg and clove. They express the very earth of the Dominican Republic.
Frederick visited Conacado and saw firsthand how farmers benefit when they produce fine quality cacao and sell it for equitable prices. Conacado has established a plant nursery, organizes producer workshops on processing techniques and organic farming, reserves funds for post-hurricane farm rebuilding and sends members to international trade shows for marketing activities.
Some words from our producer partners are below. You can read more about Conacado and their work at Conacado's website.
"We are a thousand times better since we have joined the co-op. My family situation and life have improved. Exporters are very conscious about paying a good price and give incentives at the end of the year. The exporters lend us money with good contracts/agreements. Previously big exporters would determine their own prices and hold on the market pricing. My father had to sell his house to pay off a loan that he has received before. Today it is a lot easier to obtain loans. With that money, for example, I can pay off my workers that clean the factory after the harvest which is very crucial to managing the farm."
"I have never liked using chemicals due to harming the bananas, mangos and other harvests in the area. As an organic producer that doesn’t happen anymore and the quality of the cacao is better. The co-op also helps us a lot in the transportation of the Cacao. Better quality and better organization has helped ensure that I will always receive a better price."
"The co-op has given me confidence with the incentives with my family. I have 5 children and 12 grand kids that all go to school. I can provide better nutrition for my family. Last year we were able to construct a new house. I still need a couple of things here and there but we are sure we will finish by this year. "