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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Location: Bundibugyo District, near the Congolese border
- Conditions: Volcanic soil, tropical climate, and dense biodiversity
- 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.
- 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
- Certified Organic
- Fair for Life
- B Corp (Latitude Trade Company)
- Notes of raisin, fig, and warming spice
- Balanced sweetness with a clean, smooth finish
- Transparent digital payments
- Premiums 20–30% above local market
- Ongoing investments in training, infrastructure, and education
Frequently Asked Questions
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.