Sustainability

Working with Cacao Farmers

FUPAROCA — Foundation for Social Assistance, Rehabilitation and Organic Management of Cacao Plantations, Incorporated.

FUPAROCA is an independently managed non-profit organisation, founded and supported by Rizek Cacao S.A.S., which provides technical assistance to its 2,500 affiliated farmers across the Dominican Republic.

These programmes support the development of cacao communities by improving their quality of life, preserving natural resources and biodiversity.

Corporate Social Responsibility

The FUPAROCA Foundation is committed to its members by developing a set of tasks and programmes, including:

  • Integrated handling of soil, pests and waste
  • Conservation of natural resources
  • Occupational health and safety
  • Community training and social provisions

For more information visit: www.fuparoca.org

The Poddy Project

"Poddy reminds us that it is our duty to give back to the farmers the same smile cacao brings to us."

Handmade by the "Poddy Team" — composed of FUPAROCA farmers and their families — Poddy has become FUPAROCA's mascot, representing the mission of all cacao farmers in the Dominican Republic.

Each Poddy is carefully handmade by farmers who have developed great crafting skills with wood and fabric, in addition to cacao production. All proceeds from the sale of Poddies are destined to social works benefiting members of the foundation.

Interested in supporting the Poddy Project through your business? Contact us at: europa@kahkow.com

Denominations of Origin

A Denomination of Origin is the causal relationship between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product: it is the link between the designation of origin, product and territory.

We have two established official Denominations of Origin where a limited number of highly trained farmers produce distinctive beans:

Los Bejucos D.O.

  • 86 farms
  • 63 farmers
  • 683 hectares
  • 445 metric tons per year

El Ramonal D.O.

  • 129 farms
  • 69 farmers
  • 554 hectares
  • 310 metric tons per year

These certified origins are available as single-origin beans, nibs and chocolate bars — each carrying a story of place, people and craft.

Our Certifications

  • EU Organic / USDA Organic
  • Rainforest Alliance
  • Direct Trade
  • Denomination of Origin (D.O.)