Exploring our Ecuador 72% Dark Chocolate

After our recent shipment of Ecuador 72% dark chocolate, we are delighted to say many of our dark chocolate products will be available once again. Enjoy on its own, in a hot chocolate drink or in a recipe, this chocolate doesn’t disappoint. With a high cocoa content of 72%, it balances rich complex flavours, mellow purple fruits and citrus undertones to produce a silky-smooth finish. The chocolate melts beautifully in your mouth and explodes with flavour.

Ecuadorian origins
Ecuador is one of the world’s top cacao producers, celebrated for its fine-flavour cocoa beans. The diverse climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for growing cocoa that is aromatic, complex, and full of character. Ecuadorian cacao has a rich history, dating back centuries to when it was first cultivated by indigenous people and later revered by the ancient civilizations of the Andes.

Since 2021, we have proudly worked with Martinetti Cocoa to bring you our award-winning signature 72% dark chocolate. We use this dark chocolate for many of our creations due to its rich flavour, moreish with purple fruit notes & smooth soft finish.

Established 50 years ago, historically they only exported cocoa beans but now, led by Jonathan Martinetti, grandson of the original founder, they are making added value couverture chocolate at their small factory in Quevedo and we are their first international customer!

This Direct Trade chocolate is made of fine single origin Arriba cocoa beans grown in the fertile, tropical climate of the Los Rios province, where Martinetti is based. Our Martinetti chocolate also has full traceability down to the single farm it is grown in - Hacienda Zoilita in the north of the province. Hacienda Zoilita is a 200 hectare farm of which 160 hectares are planted with cocoa trees and the remaining with a natural forest of teak and papaya, which also create shade for the arriba nacional cocoa trees. It is a slave-free professionally run, family farm with the adults of three families working on the farm whilst children go to school. A benefit for the farm workers is affiliation to Ecuador's healthcare system (which is not free to access unlike the NHS), which also pays towards a state pension. This farm has also had Rainforest Alliance certification and is in the process of renewing that. All Martinetti chocolate is also soya-free. We are delighted to be working directly with Martinetti chocolate - fully traceable, trusted, sustainable, ethical and delicious!

This chocolate adds value to the local economy as it is produced from tree to chocolate by Martinetti in its country of origin, is put in strong paper sacks and shipped by sea for us to then work with - no middlemen at any point in our supply chain!

Awards
We are so passionate about our chocolate and it’s wonderful when we win awards to recognise the fantastic flavour. Our 72% Ecuador Dark chocolate Bar won 1 Star Gold in the 2023 Great Taste Awards and our 72% dark hot chocolate flakes won Silver in both the 2022 World Drinking Chocolate Competition (no less) run by the International Chocolate Awards and the Academy of Chocolate Awards.

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
What truly sets this chocolate apart is its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. By supporting cocoa farmers in Ecuador, it helps to ensure that the communities where cocoa is grown are supported fairly and that their practices are environmentally responsible.

This dedication to sustainability doesn’t just stop at the bean. We also do everything we can to reduce our environmental footprint, using recyclable plastic-free packaging and supporting local businesses where possible.

By choosing our Ecuador 72% Dark Chocolate, you’re not only delving into an exquisite flavour profile, but also helping us make a positive impact on the planet.

Luxury in Every Bite
When you’re in the mood for something dark and indulgent, reach for our Ecuador 72% Dark Chocolate. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds, it’s a chocolate experience that connects you to the country, the people, and the flavours of Ecuador.

Check out our Ecuador 72% dark chocolate selection here.