Find Ecuadorian Cacao & Chocolate Suppliers

Ecuador's largest cacao exporters include established trading houses and export companies based primarily in Guayaquil, such as Transmar, CAONA, and Agrocacao. Beyond commodity exporters, vertically integrated companies like Pacari Chocolate and República del Cacao represent the premium manufacturing tier that exports finished chocolate products globally. Ecuador's Port of Guayaquil handles the majority of cacao and cocoa product exports, with the country exporting over 456,000 tonnes of cacao and cocoa products annually.

To buy cacao beans directly from Ecuador, you typically need to: (1) identify a supplier matching your volume, variety, and certification requirements; (2) request samples and evaluate against your specifications for moisture, fermentation percentage, and flavor profile; (3) negotiate pricing, Incoterms, and payment terms; (4) arrange phytosanitary certificates and export documentation with the supplier; and (5) coordinate logistics through a freight forwarder familiar with Ecuadorian export procedures. Chocolate.ec simplifies step one by connecting buyers with pre-qualified suppliers through our verified introduction workflow.

Arriba Nacional (also called Nacional Arriba or simply 'Arriba') refers to Ecuador's heritage fine-flavor cacao variety, Theobroma cacao var. Nacional. The name 'Arriba' — Spanish for 'upstream' — originated in the 19th century when traders sailing up the Guayas river encountered its distinctive floral aroma. Today, Arriba Nacional is recognized by the ICCO (International Cocoa Organization) as a Fine Flavor Cacao (FFC), prized for its complex profile of jasmine, bergamot, citrus, and tropical fruit notes. Ecuador produces approximately 62% of the world's designated Fine Flavor Cacao, with Arriba Nacional its defining variety.

Ecuadorian cacao suppliers hold a range of internationally recognized certifications. The most common are: Organic (USDA Organic and EU Organic), Fairtrade International, Rainforest Alliance (incorporating UTZ), HACCP (food safety), ISO 22000, and Kosher. Certification availability varies significantly by supplier type — cooperatives and larger estates are more likely to carry multiple certifications, while smaller producers may hold one or none. For buyers requiring specific certifications, Chocolate.ec filters suppliers by certification in our directory.

Minimum order quantities (MOQs) in Ecuador vary widely by product type and supplier. For raw cacao beans, specialty micro-lots may start at 500 kg, while bulk commodity orders typically require 5,000–20,000 kg (one container load). Cocoa powder and butter MOQs generally start at 1,000–5,000 kg for commercial buyers. Finished chocolate bars for private-label programs often start at 300–1,000 kg. Artisan and craft producers may accommodate smaller orders of 100–500 kg for sampling and market testing. Chocolate.ec can help buyers find suppliers that match their specific volume requirements.