Boundless Belize Ceremonial Cacao

MMC pioneered wet cacao purchasing in southern Belize. Originally founded by Taza Chocolate, MMC entered a competitive cacao market that was already exporting cacao internationally, and after five years emerged as the leading exporter in the region by focusing on establishing a long term stable price for farmers and building a new fermentation facility. They now export over 75% of the country’s cacao, much of which is grown by Q’eqchi’ and Mopan Maya farmers.

MMC is based in Punta Gorda right on the Caribbean ocean in southern Belize. Northern Belize is more touristy and a little drier, and the south is more lush and where the cacao grows. The people in the area speak a mix of English (the national language), Garifuna, Creole, Q’eqchi Mayan, Mopan Mayan and a little bit of Spanish. Belize was a British colony until just four decades ago when it became independent in 1981, and prior to that, it was a part of Guatemala. People are very friendly and welcoming, the culture is slow paced and you will hear lots of reggae, afro-caribe and R&B music as you walk down the street on a weekend night. On the coast seafood is common fare, along with calaloo (jungle greens).

The landscape of southern Belize is dominated by limestone mountains and caves that are revered by the Maya people. There are many ancient Maya ruins covered by jungle and coral reefs with crystal clear water off the coast. Abundant rivers flow to the coastal area which are covered in mangrove forests. There are many iguanas, toucans, bats, agoutis, tapirs, owls, tarantulas, squirrels, howler monkeys and biting insects. Even jaguar has returned to the region.

Walking through the rainforest here with a knowledge guide is like walking through a living medicine cabinet. The farmers will bring home various plants not just for cooking, but to cure all sorts of injuries and diseases. This intricate knowledge of the forest as a living ecosystem is an essential part of the long term stewardship of tropical rainforest regions, and many of the cacao farms are directly adjacent to rainforest preserves. We’ve also seen some of the most creative and innovative permaculture techniques for growing cacao here, which requires careful observation and deep understanding of the relationships in the entire ecosystem.