Hello from Ecuador Chocolate Lovers :

I am in Ecuador right now. We have a new chocolate — it is called Guayas and it is named after the Guayas region in Ecuador. Yes, you heard that right — Ecuador. Our new chocolate is our first chocolate that we have made from cocoa beans from Ecuador. How does it taste? Really really good. So good in fact that I’ve been flown here to speak at a agricultural fair — which is happening later today.

One of the most important things that I have done while in Ecuador is to present our chocolate to the people who grew the cocoa beans we used. It was a really special occasion. A few tents were set up as was a hamburger stand that gave away free hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks. This was a very special occasion. Up until this point, I had only shared our new chocolate with close friends, family, and a few members of the media. This special occasion was the occasion I had been carefully saving the chocolate for. I wanted the very first public release of this chocolate to be the farmers themselves who worked so hard to grow the cocoa that went into making such a beautiful chocolate. I gave a speech talking to the farmers about the importance about how it was so beautiful to see each of them and their children and the beautiful history of cocoa and how their ancestors have been growing cocoa for over 1,000 years and hopefully, this can continue. I spoke of how I know they take great pride in their cocoa because I see it in how they grow their trees and take care of their plantations. And I spoke of preserving their fine flavored cocoa — Nacional — which is their heritage that they can share with the world.

I have also visited a number of chocolate factories and cocoa processing facilities. I have been greeted with open arms and really been treated well. The people of Ecuador are wonderful and they truly care about their cocoa. I can’t wait until I get back so I can spend some time writing about the wonderful time that I had visiting with the farmers and spending time on the plantation. Today though, we will be visiting some of the indigenous people outside of Quito and then attending the agricultural fair where I will be speaking. Wish me luck!