In the heart of Ecuador, where nature expresses itself in its maximum diversity, Ancestral is born—a brand that goes far beyond creating exceptional chocolates.
Its purpose is not only to produce good chocolate but to honor the land that gives it, the hands that cultivate it, and the traditions passed down from generation to generation. Every cacao bean they harvest carries a deep story, a legacy to preserve, and a future they are responsible for building.
Don Ramón’s farm: A sanctuary of ancestral cacao
At the core of Ancestral are the black cacao trees, some over 80 years old, growing on a small farm in Flavio Alfaro, Manabí province. This farm is more than just land; it is a natural sanctuary, home to a variety of carefully preserved endemic trees. All this is possible thanks to Don Ramón, a farmer who has dedicated his life to conserving and protecting these plantations with a profound love for the land.
Every morning, Don Ramón sings to his trees and applies Hertz frequencies, a unique technique he learned and passed on to Joel, the “Guardian of Cacao.” Joel continues this tradition, ensuring each tree receives the attention needed to keep producing top-quality cacao. Thanks to their dedication, these trees preserve the ancestral cacao that later becomes the foundation for a great innovation: Ancestral.
White cacao: A treasure from the Ecuadorian Amazon
One of Ancestral’s most prized gems is white cacao, a unique variety growing on Amazonian trees that can reach 7 to 10 meters in height. Harvesting this cacao is a special process. Indigenous women from the Amazon, with ancestral wisdom, patiently wait for the pods to fall naturally before collecting them by hand. This cacao is harvested with great care, reflecting their deep connection with the land.
Ancestral’s white cacao is more than an ingredient; it is a testament to these women’s dedication and commitment to preserving their traditions. Each bite tells a story of hard work and love for nature.
Sustainability: A commitment to the future
Ancestral understands that cacao has a profound bond with Mother Earth. Their farmers follow ancestral practices that respect the natural ecosystem, promoting sustainable and non-invasive agriculture. They use beneficial microorganisms to restore soil balance, ensuring healthy cacao growth without harming the environment.
The brand’s innovations reflect Ecuador’s diversity while embedding a sustainable philosophy that respects nature and promotes community well-being.
Connecting Ecuador through cacao
Ancestral has united regions and connected all of Ecuador through its brand. From the Galápagos Islands, where they source unique salt crystals, to the delicious dehydrated tangerine from Perucho in the northwestern Sierra, every ingredient has a story to tell.
Additionally, the brand supports small Ecuadorian producers, the heart of this natural wealth. Thanks to their efforts, they can offer the world the best of their territories, seeking to make Ecuador globally recognized for the quality and value of its natural products, positioning traditions and resources as a key part of its identity.
A project created by women for women
Ancestral is more than a chocolate brand. It is a project led by women with the goal of empowering female cacao farmers in Ecuador. Women play a crucial role in cacao production, so the project seeks to give them visibility, support their harvesting process, and foster their personal and professional development.
This initiative has a strong social component, promoting gender equality and improving living conditions. These women do not just grow cacao; they cultivate the future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Ancestral thus becomes a platform for female empowerment, celebrating all women who transform cacao into a delicious jewel while preserving the land for future generations.
Carmen Tiban, CEO of Grupo WOP Internacional, has been instrumental in rescuing and conserving endemic and ancestral cacao trees. Her tireless dedication to preserving these cacaos has been crucial for developing innovative products.
Ancestral at CLIIQ 2025
Ancestral’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering Ecuadorian communities brings them to the Latin American Impact Investment Summit (CLIIQ), taking place on June 4–5 in Quito, Ecuador, at Quinta La Guardia.
This event gathers leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the region to create positive social and economic impact in Latin America. We are proud that Ancestral will be part of this space, where they can share their vision and continue promoting their commitment to the land, culture, and women cacao farmers of Ecuador. See you at CLIIQ!
