Our actions

Cacao farming is under threat because:

• the original cacao trees are growing old and producing less and less.
• quality cacao farming is in the process of disappearing, being replaced by more intensive farming methods, producing more crops, but of little aromatic interest.

So the CEMOI Group has launched, in collaboration with local cacao farmers, an important programme of quality cacao tree re-plantation by using varieties of cacao specifically selected for their aromatic potential and productive capacities.

Concrete action for sustainable development

Out in the field our experts work on:

• finding the most aromatic cacao to preserve the best cacao trees.
• identification, grafting and re-planting to create plant nurseries for farmers.

Impact out on the field: fair trade brings hope

In Ecuador, the system of selecting cacao trees with incomparable sensorial qualities guarantees an exceptional cacao mass. The beans harvested, also known as “Pepa de Oro” because of their particularly floral or fruity aromas are used to produce superior dark chocolate.

A true “black” goldmine, this cacao with its exceptionally powerful aroma can also be used in combination with a medium quality chocolate to improve its quality of aroma.

Our fair trade branch has developed a system for the renewal of cacao plantations. Young cacao plants are selected and planted to preserve the genetic characteristics of cacao trees in Ecuador.

Thanks to our local re-planting squads 200,000 plants should have been planted by end 2009 and by 2014 the plantations should be completely rejuvenated.