How We Source

chocolate’s future depends on us

Chocolate has shaped cultures, livelihoods, and celebrations for generations, but its future depends on the choices we make today. As climate challenges and unsustainable farming practices continue to threaten cacao production, protecting this treasured crop has never been more important.

Beyond creating exceptional chocolate, we believe in investing in the people and communities who make it possible. By supporting responsible farming, fair partnerships, and long-term sustainability initiatives, we can help ensure cacao continues to thrive for years to come. Most importantly, we hope to inspire greater awareness and appreciation for this remarkable crop, because preserving the future of chocolate starts with all of us.

A young cacao tree with green leaves and a small orange-brown pod hanging from one of its branches

Trading directly with farmers

We’re passionate about cacao and the people who grow it. Our 72%, 61% and 47% chocolate is created by award-winning Peruvian chocolate makers who work with the farmers to improve their agricultural techniques, yield, and perfect, their post harvest techniques. This attention to detail results in a superior product and one that does these rare varietals justice.

Working directly with the farmers and co-ops allows us to cut out the middleman, which ensures we pay the farmers a livable wage. This enables them to live quality lives, improve their farms, and avoid the economic challenges that can result in child labor and deforestation. By keeping post harvest processing and cacao liquor making close to where the cacao is grown, we maximize the value that the origin country can reap from its precious natural resources. This encourages future generations to keep farming.

putting farmers first arrow right

Only by investing in farmers and their communities, can we ensure a bright future for cacao.

  • jcoco cacao sourcing in peru
  • cacao trees
  • cacao sourcing for jcoco chocolate
1 3

Where we source

At jcoco, we source exceptional cacao from Peru and Ecuador, regions celebrated for producing some of the world's finest chocolate. Our Peruvian cacao is grown by small family farms in the lush Amazonian foothills of the Andes, where mineral-rich soils and remarkable biodiversity create rare fine aroma beans with distinctive flavor. In Ecuador, we source prized Cacao Nacional from Haciendas Zapotal and El Recuerdo, farms dedicated to sustainable cultivation, reforestation, and community development. Together, these origins provide the foundation for the rich flavor, quality, and craftsmanship found in every jcoco bar.

Select a highlighted country to read its story.

A Chocolate Renaissance

Our founder & CEO Jean Thompson built jcoco more than 12 years ago as a brand that respects its farmers, its supply chain, and its revered crop: cacao. Only by paying farmers well and investing in their communities can we ensure a healthy future for chocolate.