Ecuador boasts a wealth of wild flora and fauna which is difficult to find elsewhere. We need only think of the Galapagos Islands, part of Ecuador’s national territory, which are home to a vast number of endemic species. In this enchanted land recent archaeological studies have brought to light the remains of an ancient unknown civilization: the Mayo-Chinchipe. Vessels have been found containing residue of a cacao-based beverage dating back to around 5.000 years ago: some 3.000 years before those previously unearthed in Mesoamerica. Genetic analysis of the cacao in these finds has shown it to be what is now known as Cacao Nacional, found over great parts of Ecuador and in neighbouring countries. This fascinating discovery increases the importance of the Cacao Nacional of Ecuador, long considered one of the best raw materials in the world. For our bar we have chosen, in particular, the cacao of the Vinces area, in the Los Rios region, where “Arriba” cacao is to be found. The story goes that in the latter half of the 18th century and in the early 19th century producers and lovers of good chocolate arrived from Europe to buy cacao. Proceeding to the port of Guayaquil they asked the locals where they could find this noble, much-prized cacao. The answer they received was “arriba… río arriba”, which means “up the river”. Thus the name Cacao Arriba was coined. In Ecuador this cacao is a symbol of quality and great organoleptic richness. It is to be found especially in Los Rios, a region bathed by great rivers which go to form the Guayas river, whose estuary forms the zone of Guayaquil Port – the most important river port of Ecuador. 

Cacao: 72,5% min. Organic cacao beans, organic coconut blossom sugar, organic raw cacao butter; Emulsifier: organic sunflower lecithin. May contain traces of nuts.

Marked creaminess which intensifies the characteristic notes of the Ecuador cacao in this chocolate which has intense floral aromas, light fruity acidity, delicate hints of tropical fruit and roasted nuances and a finale of balsamic freshness which lingers on the palate.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE FOR 100 g

Organic

Country of origin: Ecuador
Region: Los Rios
Genetics: Nacional
Fermentation: wooden boxes
Produced by: APOVINCES

50 g

​​he image we have chosen for this bar is that of an Ecuadorian cacao farmer intent on his daily activity: gathering cabossa – the cacao fruit – of precious Arriba Nacional of Ecuador: work which has been carried out now for almost 5000 years. 
Photo Elena Ticozzi Valerio ©

Los Rios Vinces