Cocoa for peace: Cocoanect sources fine flavour cocoa in conflict-ridden Arauca, Colombia.
Cocoanect signed a contract with the national cocoa federation of Colombia (Fedecacao) to purchase an additional 300 MT of Colombian cocoa from the Arauca region. The purchase is important for this region, as fine flavour cocoa plays a significant role in restructuring the economy and reducing drug-related violence.
Representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Federación Nacional de Cacaoteros (Fedecacao), the governor of Arauca Mr. Alvarado Bestene and Cocoanect’s Max Goetler were present at the port on September 19th, where the first containers were being stuffed with Arauca cocoa for a client in Malaysia.
UNODC and Fedecacao have worked tirelessly in the past years to improve the cocoa sector in Arauca. This region in north-eastern Colombia has a long history of conflicts. Focusing on organic fine flavour cocoa is considered a great opportunity for the local farmers, many of them formerly involved in the illegal cultivation of coca, to have a more stable income.
The area has excellent fine flavour cocoa genetics as well as outstanding growing conditions for cocoa. Cocoanect’s Max Goettler sees great potential for Arauca cocoa. He visited the cocoa plantations in the Arauca region prior to the meeting. He was not only highly impressed by the quality of farming in Arauca, he was also fascinated by the long history the region has with cocoa, which dates back hundreds of years. Mirko Bellochio, Cocoanect’s specialty cocoa specialist, adds he is equally impressed with the Arauca cocoa, and really enjoyed the chocolate made of the Arauca beans, commenting on its low acidity and nice fruity finish.
The high quality of the Arauca cocoa beans has not gone unnoticed and resulted in International Cocoa Awards being awarded in 2010 and 2011. Chances are more awards will be added this year, with 3 Arauca samples nominated for this year’s award. (winners will be announced at Salon du Chocolat in Paris on October 30th)
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Are you interested in our Arauca cocoa beans? Contact our Specialty Cocoa Specialist Mirko Bellocchio at specialtycocoa<@> cocoanect.com or +31107603113
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