When cocoa buyers, chocolate makers and consumers read Ecuador as a place of cacao origin, they have high expectations in terms of quality and flavor. However, this millennial reputation is now in danger: the most flavorful cacao variety in Ecuador called Nacional (or Arriba, or Arriba Nacional) is rapidly disappearing.

The land where cocoa grows is definitely responsible for the amazing flavors delivered in our delicious chocolate. But here is one crucial detail that has been always overlooked: what happens at origin is much more than just terroir.