Single Origin Chocolate: Honduras
The Atlantic (Caribbean) coast of Honduras is the ideal climate for growing cacao. 80% of the estimated 4,000 cacao producers actually grow on less than one hectare (about 2.5 acres) of land. The country annually produces about 1,500 tonnes, although only about 10% of this production is deemed, “high quality,” and only 5% of the income made in the supply chain actually goes to the farmers. The industry has identified this gap, and chocolate manufacturers directly trading with farmers ensure sustainable living wages, much higher than the non-direct mass produced cocoa available.
Reference: CDAIS (2018). Honduras – A Story of Change on Cacao
Honduras
Meso Cacao specializes in fair, direct trade chocolate throughout Central America. The farmers’ wages working with Meso Cacao earn on average 41% to 149% more than local market alternatives, to ensure a traceable, ethical, and fair wage for the work that goes into procuring cacao. The nibs available are sourced from Wampusirpi, a small town of less than 2,000 inhabitants, who are fairly treated with 124% higher wages than the “local” market provides.