Seed to Bean
It starts before the tree exists. We select mother-tree seed, raise our own saplings, and manage every planting through to harvest.
Nurseries
A 50,000-seedling capacity nursery, hand-sown and managed under environmentally sustainable practice. Seed comes from "mother trees" selected off proven Belizean farms, giving healthy saplings for new plantings and for replacing aged trees.
Cacao varietals
Predominantly Trinitario hybrid with a minor share of Criollo — combining the hardiness and disease resistance of Forastero with the fine-flavour qualities of Criollo. The result is what we call the Peini blend.
Our farms
Seven farms totalling 507 acres: six in the Toledo District of southern Belize, all within six hours' transport of our central processing facility at Crique Jute Village, and one in Panama.
Agronomic practice
Soil improvement, shade management and pest control under a documented protocol, with regular farm visits by extension officers monitoring compliance against environmental and social standards.
Harvest
Harvest is administered by the Farm Manager under strict protocol: selective assessment of pod ripeness, and correct seed extraction, so that only properly matured beans enter the fermentation cycle.