Rio Nuevo Chocolate

You can make a difference today. When you buy a Rio Nuevo chocolate bar you too are creating change and giving farmers a voice ✨

Are you in the mood to treat yourself? Rio Nuevo Chocolate is the perfect choice 🍫

Being on the ground gave us the opportunity to listen to and research more about people’s experiences on issues we wouldn’t have normally come across, understanding a little bit more about the country’s trade history and the impact on its people and the environment. Many cacao farmers have cut down their trees to switch to palm oil. Ecuador has become the 5th largest palm oil producer in the world and the expansion of this crop has always been linked to social, territorial an...d environmental conflicts and Ecuador is no exception. For us to be able to help small scale cacao farmers we don't only need to buy their cacao but also to fully understand the threats their livelihoods face in order to empower them to become more self sufficient and more importantly to educate them on their rights and join them in raising their voices against injustice
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Doña Julia is a strong and driven woman, not afraid of speaking her mind, she knows her strengths and how to use them to empower her family. At 72 years old, alongside her husband she is still very much in charge of the farm’s progress and is determined to find ways to better their productions. Behind her years there’s a kind and generous heart, a hardworking and admirable mother who we’ve had the privileged to learn from and work with

Our story started with a traditional chocolate making demonstration in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, going back to experience it all over again was a treat. Across the country the only way locals make chocolate from tree to cup is by roasting the beans in a pan on the open fire. The process is ancient and very satisfying, the smokiness and rich cacao aroma in the air paired with the sounds of nature in the middle of the jungle is a fantastic experience!

Travelling across Ecuador has truly enriched us. These past few weeks we’ve enjoyed breathtaking views, super delicious fruits, immersed ourselves in Ecuador’s culture and met wonderful people who have shared their knowledge, experiences and ways of life with us. To be able to sit and hear people talk about their environment, their heritage as well as their struggles has given us a better picture of how we can partner with them to create positive change

The Andean landscapes in Ecuador are a true example of how both nature and people are shaped by each other’s strengths. In these regions, the values and diversity of the people who live and work the land gave us a greater appreciation of our heritage

When we talk about improving the livelihoods of our farmers we not only think about their production. It’s important to us that they thrive as a family and in their community. That’s why when you buy Rio Nuevo Chocolate you’re directly, positively impacting Don Julian’s family and his farm @ Vinces

Mayerli, Don Julian’s granddaughter is 12 years old, she’s a bit shy but she’s a smart and sweet girl! She likes art and was more interested in finding out how the camera worked than being in front of it. Before we left Cornwall our friend Debi gave us a pair of her handmade earrings to take as a gift to one of the girls at the farm, Mayerli was so happy to receive her present and the smile on her face was priceless! Thank you Saltyseadogjewellery for sharing your love and making a difference through your crafts

Coming to spend time with our farmer and his family has left us feeling enriched and somewhat hopeful about the future of cacao farmers across Ecuador. While it’s still true that most farmers are lied to and taken advantage of, during our time here, we’ve met resilient cacao farmers, strong and forward thinking people whose hopes and dreams of a better tomorrow don’t let them quit nor they let their bad experiences diminish their kindness and open hearted nature. Don Julián and His family welcomed us with such love we feel reinvigorated and full of dreams for them.

A week ago we left Guayaquil, embarking on our journey to the amazon rainforest. We’ve crossed the Ecuadorian Andes, traveling through majestic peaks and above the clouds. We met old friends and made new ones in some of the most amazing communities in the rainforest where people are generous and embrace you as their own

They are not poor nor they live in a third world place. They don’t have luxuries or pretty and comfortable material goods but they live a life full of joy, pride and resources most of us aren’t privileged enough to have. In this town, high in the mountains amongst the clouds ...the people of the Andes are full of colour, culture and they live extraordinary lives

We had an amazing time yesterday trying fresh cacao fruit, the mucilage is the right balance between sweet and citric, the flavour is bright and so refreshing! The experience of being here in the cacao plantation is so exciting!!! 🌱

It’s feels great to be back home and step back into Barrio Las Peñas - with more than 400 years of history this was the first neighbourhood in Guayaquil. The first residents of this vibrant, colourful place were local fishermen and artisans who in the 20th century were also joined by the successful cacao hacenderos. Together these communities created a place full of life, culture and uniqueness that still holds true to this day

Five years ago we traveled to the Ecuadorian rainforest to celebrate our wedding, little did we know that trip was the beginning of an amazing chocolate 🍫journey! We’re going back✈️ this time to spend time and give back to the community that stirred a passion within us. Stay tuned as we’ll share our journey through Ecuador with you and the stories of our amazing cacao farmers 🎥

There is a real sense of joy when people come together to create change and positively impact others. We’re overwhelmed by the support and generosity of our community, we’re so grateful to see so many people come alongside and take part in our project. A big THANK YOU to everyone that has contributed towards making this a reality. The farmers' children will definitely enjoy these wonderful gifts! Nick Ferris Skip Hire Ltd. Harbour Lights Rye Taylor & Massimo Bertusi & Tracy

In the last couple of days we’ve been spoiled with beautiful sunsets and sightings of playful dolphins in the bay.. it’s been a great time to stop, enjoy and be grateful for the privilege of living in a place where amazing land and seascapes abound as well as being surrounded by a community of people whose generosity and support keep us going

To achieve and maintain quality in chocolate requires investment in relationships, it requires adding value to each step of the process by recognising the people behind and around the product. It’s the people not just the product who we value the most