The world of chocolate is vast— woven into our global identity, but for us at The Cacao Portal, cacao is more than a sweet indulgence. It’s a seed of transformation, connection, and return.

It all began when Alegría, immersed in a reforestation project on the sacred mountain of Jaboncillo in Manabí, Ecuador, was introduced to cacao—not as candy, but as a superfood and sacred medicine. What followed was a deep dive into its ancestral roots, particularly Nacional Cacao, known for its rare “Fine Aroma” and deep resilience amidst industrial hybrids.

Cacao became a bridge: to the land, to healing, and to a renewed sense of identity. This journey—intimately local yet globally relevant—brought together a group of women, all daughters of Manabí, each called to cacao in her own way.

Melissa was captivated by cacao’s grounding energy and mental clarity. Her coffee mornings gave way to cacao rituals, sparking a reconnection with childhood friend Briana—a visionary in her own right. Briana brought action, community, and creative expression to the mission. Together, they honor cacao by integrating it into movement, work, and everyday wellness.

From seed to sip, cacao became a mirror: revealing purpose, unlocking joy, and guiding the way forward.

This is More Than Chocolate

It’s nourishment for the spirit.
It’s clarity for the mind.
It’s fuel for the dreamer.

Some call it quality.
Others call it connection to source.
We simply call it love in its wildest, most grounded form.

This is our offering—from our hearts to yours.

We dare to dream.
We drink to remember.
We open the portal.

— The Cacao Portal