Paccari

Overview

Pacari is an Ecuadorian chocolate company specializing in premium organic and biodynamic dark chocolate made from fine Arriba Nacional cacao beans. The company operates a vertically integrated tree-to-bar model, sourcing directly from over 3,000 small independent farming families and manufacturing chocolate domestically rather than exporting raw beans. Pacari has established itself as a leader in the fine chocolate market through certifications including B Corporation status, World Fair Trade Organisation recognition, and Demeter biodynamic certification, with products distributed across approximately 47-60 countries.

History

Pacari was founded in 2002 by Santiago Peralta and Carla Barbotó as a family business with the mission to change Ecuador's chocolate industry by producing chocolate domestically rather than exporting raw cacao. The company pioneered the tree-to-bar model in Ecuador and became the first chocolate company to receive biodynamic certification from Demeter International. By 2016, Pacari achieved B Corporation certification and has since won over 380 international chocolate awards, including multiple recognitions as World's Best Chocolate. The company expanded from a family enterprise to approximately 60-77 employees and now manufactures over five million chocolate bars annually.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Pacari manufactures chocolate in-house in Quito, Ecuador using a tree-to-bar process that controls production from cacao sourcing through finished product. The company works directly with certified organic farms throughout Ecuador, providing farmer training programs and fair trade pricing. Manufacturing capacity exceeds five million chocolate bars annually.

Notable Products

• Arriba Nacional Dark Chocolate Bars - Single-origin dark chocolate made from Ecuador's prized Arriba Nacional cacao beans, known for fruity and floral notes
• Organic Raw Chocolate - Minimally processed chocolate made with organic ingredients, free from dairy, soy, chemicals, and gluten
• Biodynamic Certified Chocolate - First chocolate to receive Demeter International biodynamic certification, representing highest sustainability standards
• Fair Trade Chocolate Collection - Chocolate bars certified by World Fair Trade Organisation, guaranteeing ethical sourcing and producer support

Reputation

Pacari is widely recognized among fine chocolate enthusiasts and professionals for producing exceptional quality chocolate with a transparent, ethical supply chain. The brand has won over 380 international awards and multiple Great Taste Awards, establishing credibility in the premium chocolate market. Strengths include authentic tree-to-bar production, strong sustainability credentials, and distinctive flavor profiles from Arriba Nacional beans. The company is respected for its fair trade practices and direct farmer relationships, though it remains relatively niche compared to larger chocolate manufacturers and commands premium pricing.