Öko Caribe & Elvesia

Dominican Republic

The certified organic cocoa beans for the chocolate bar Öko Caribe got is name from a cocoa farming cooperative in the Duarte province of the Dominican Republic. This bar is characterized by mouth-watering ripe red fruit up front, a hint of dried fruit, and notes of cinnamon and spice in the finish.

Story of Öko Caribe

“Nestled in the heart of the cacao rich Duarte province in the Dominican Republic, Öko-Caribe (or “eco-Caribe,” in German) is a gem amongst cacao suppliers. With more than 50 years of combined experience in cacao, owners Adriano de Jesus Rodriguez and Gualberto Acebey Torrejon have fine-tuned their systems to ensure consistent, superior quality in their 500+ tons of annual production. Öko Caribe maintains close relationships with its 165 farmers through technical training, in agronomic practices and organic certification. In addition, owners Adriano and Gualberto have personal relationships with all farmers, offering microfinance loans for cacao-related expenses, as well as personal loans for family emergencies or other community needs. The loyalty between Öko Caribe and the farmers they work with is not only evidenced in daily interactions between staff, management and farmers, but also in their best-in-class, award winning final product.”

Story of Elvesia

Our Elvesia bar also has its origins in the Dominican Republic. Around 200 years ago, Swiss emigrants settled on the peninsula Samana, founded the plantation “Hacienda Elvesia,” and began cultivating Criollo and Trinitario cocoa. The plantation is based on the principle of sustainable agriculture in harmony with nature. The hacienda is administered by Ramon Lopez (cultivation) and Marco Lee (fermentation and quality control).

A family business since 1905

“The Rizek’s are cocoa growers, processors and exporters. Rizek Cacao S.A.S. processes and exports organically grown cocoa (both NOP and EU) which is also certified according to the UTZ, Rainforest Alliance and USA Fair Trade standards.”