Sourced from the Semuliki Forest

The Source

THE HEART OF OUR CACAO

Semuliki Forest, Uganda

Our Ugandan cacao journey begins deep in the Semuliki Forest, where dedicated farmers have been perfecting their craft for generations. Through Latitude Trade Co. (LTC)—a vertically integrated, certified B Corp founded in 2016—we partner with over 4,664 certified organic smallholder producers. Notably, nearly 50% (2,266) of these producers are women and 69% (3,228) are under 35, reflecting a vibrant, dynamic community committed to ethical and sustainable farming.

Authentic Heritage

Generations of expertise and a deep connection to the land ensure every bean is cultivated with care.

Community Empowerment

Direct partnerships through LTC ensure fair prices at the point-of-sale, empowering local communities and supporting continuous improvement in farming practices.

Sustainable Practices

Our farmers integrate age-old methods with modern, eco-friendly techniques, preserving the biodiversity of the Semuliki Forest.

EDITED_6ad4ad4e-543b-41bd-a776-40315f207da3 - The Conscious Bar

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Post‑Harvest Processing

1. Fermentation

Cacao beans ferment for 6–7 days in tiered wooden boxes with twice‑daily temperature checks, developing complex flavor molecules.

2. Drying

Beans are sun‑dried on raised beds and patios for an additional 6–7 days, reducing moisture to optimal levels for storage and shipment.

3. Sorting

Hand‑sorting at four stages—upon purchase, box loading, drying, and post‑drying—ensures only premium beans are selected for export.

OUR PARTNER

Latitude Trade Company

Latitude Trade Company produces award-winning specialty cacao employing more than 50 organized rural collection points for producers to sell fresh cacao weekly into the network. The producers receive a premium cash price at the point-of-sale. Semuliki Forest cacao is sourced from the region around Bundibugyo in Western Uganda.

The Farmers

Stewards of Tradition and Sustainability

Behind every cacao bean are dedicated farmers who infuse their heritage and hard work into their craft. Our commitment to them goes beyond transactions—it's about building lasting relationships and supporting their livelihoods.

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Generational Expertise

Many of our farmers have inherited their cacao farms, carrying forward time-honored techniques that produce consistently high-quality cacao. This generational knowledge is invaluable in maintaining the integrity of our chocolate.

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Empowering Women

We proudly support female-led farms, recognizing the pivotal role women play in agriculture. 49% women, 69% under age 35. Their leadership brings strength, skill, and innovation to farming practices, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous community.

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Sustainability in Action

Fair compensation enables farmers to invest in sustainable practices, such as organic farming and environmental conservation. These efforts ensure the long-term health of the land and the quality of the cacao.

Region

Location: Bundibugyo District, near the Congolese border
Conditions: Volcanic soil, tropical climate, and dense biodiversity

Farming Community

Producers: 4,664 smallholder farmers.
Demographics: ~49% women, 69% under age 35
Farm Structure: 1–2 hectare plots, often intercropped with bananas, cassava, and shade trees.

Post-Harvest

Collection: 50+ rural collection points
Fermentation: 6–7 days in tiered wooden box systems
Drying: Sun-dried on raised beds
Sorting: Final grading handled at centralized facilities

Certifications

Certified Organic
Fair for Life
B Corp (Latitude Trade Company)

Flavor Profile

Notes of raisin, fig, and warming spice
Balanced sweetness with a clean, smooth finish

Community Impact

Transparent digital payments
Premiums 20–30% above local market
Ongoing investments in training, infrastructure, and education

What makes direct trade different from fair trade?

Direct trade goes beyond fair trade standards by building direct, long-term relationships with farmers. We bypass traditional commodity markets, paying farmers directly and ensuring they receive fair compensation that truly reflects their work and expertise.

Who are our cacao farmers?

Uganda: Our cacao in Uganda is cultivated by smallholder farmers in the Semuliki Forest, where generations of expertise and a deep passion for the land shine through. Through Latitude Trade Co. (LTC), a vertically integrated certified B Corp founded in 2016, we partner with over 4,664 certified organic smallholder producers. Notably, nearly 50% (2,266) are women and 69% (3,228) are under 35 years old, illustrating a vibrant, youthful, and dynamic farming community.

Ecuador: In Ecuador, our premium cacao is sourced through CECAO—an Organic and Fair Trade-certified exporter that champions sustainable, high-quality production. CECAO collaborates with 10 community-based associations, supporting a network of approximately 1,800 producers. These dedicated farmers follow innovative and eco-friendly practices, ensuring that every bean meets rigorous quality standards while upholding ethical sourcing values.

How does our sourcing model support our farmers?

Our direct trade approach benefits farmers by ensuring they receive premium cash prices at the point-of-sale. In Uganda, Latitude Trade Co. (LTC) empowers over 4,664 certified organic producers—nearly 50% of whom are women and 69% under 35—with sustainable income and modern agricultural support. In Ecuador, CECAO works with 10 community-based associations to support approximately 1,800 producers, providing them with technical assistance and a reliable market that reinforces ethical and sustainable practices.

What sustainable farming practices do our farmers employ?

In Uganda’s Semuliki Forest, farmers blend traditional techniques with modern sustainable practices to preserve the land and maintain quality. They work collectively with LTC to ensure environmentally responsible farming. In Ecuador, the network coordinated by CECAO uses eco-friendly methods, including rigorous fermentation and drying processes and intercropping techniques, to safeguard soil health and enhance the cacao’s flavor profile.

How do these practices translate into better quality chocolate for customers?

By sourcing directly from dedicated, ethically supported farmers in Uganda and Ecuador, we ensure that every bean is grown under optimal conditions and harvested with care. This direct connection to our sourcing communities not only supports sustainable livelihoods but also delivers rich, authentic flavors in every chocolate bar you enjoy.

Sourced in Partnership

Semuliki Forest Cacao – Western Uganda