Fill out your data to get our latest news and publications








    Why is Colombian chocolate so special?

    Chocolate is a magical food. It boosts our endorphins, which makes us feel good, it boosts our serotonin levels, which makes us feel relaxed and it contains more antioxidants than any other food.

    But in Colombia this tasty treat is changing lives on a bigger scale. It may just be the key to peace and prosperity.

    Why is cacao Colombia’s crop of the moment?

    Colombian cacao is some of the world’s finest – 95% of Colombia’s cacao exports are considered “Fine Flavour” by the International Cacao Organisation. Cacao, the raw ingredient in chocolate, is also an important part of the country’s bid to cut coca production and end its internal conflict. The Colombian government has provided tax incentives and subsidies to help farmers switch from illegal crops to cacao and it’s working. High demand and high international prices have convinced farmers to stick with the magic bean. Once a closely-guarded secret, Colombia’s cacao production has increased by tens of thousands of tonnes in recent years.

    How is Colombian chocolate changing lives?

    The average size of a Colombian cacao farm is just 3.5 hectares and with the world’s taste for chocolate outstripping supply, the benefits go straight to Colombian families. Many areas where cacao is produced have seen the worst of the country’s conflict and this alternate source of income has proved a lifesaver. Farmers who grow cacao say their families are now safer and the huge global demand, which could see the chocolate market reach $115bn in 2020, continues to boost their morale.

    What’s the story behind this incredible flavour?

    The cacao fruit tree (Theobroma Cacao) originated east of the Andes millions of years ago and archaeologists believe the Mayans were drinking chocolate as early as 400BC. Christopher Columbus was probably the first outsider but it wasn’t until 1528 that xocoatl, Aztec drinking chocolate, reached Europe. Europeans, who added sugar to the mix and couldn’t get enough of it, rushed to cultivate cacao overseas. Nowadays climate change, ageing trees, disease and young people’s unwillingness to work in the fields, is changing production patterns in traditional cacao-producing countries, such as the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia, and paving the way for Colombia. 

    Where and how is this precious crop grown?

    Cacao trees love high temperatures and they need plenty of rain, which is why they thrive close to the equator. Colombian cacao production is flourishing in departments including Santander, the north of Antioquia and the south of Córdoba and Colombian cacao farmers mostly grow the high-quality Criollo and Trinitario varieties, as opposed to the bitter Forastero found elsewhere.

    How is chocolate part of Colombian culture?

    Colombian cacao production has focused on its domestic market for years because Colombians love chocolate. The most popular form is Colombian-style drinking chocolate, prepared by breaking a chunk of cocoa from a block and heating it with milk or agua de panela (made from unrefined sugar) Once it’s hot, the chocolate is frothed with a molinillo and served with different kinds of typical foods and preparations like arepa con queso, tamal, bread or with a complete breakfast that includes caldo or eggs.

    Chocolate colombiano

    Wikipedia

    Ready to taste the sweetness and Sabrosura of a country in transformation? Live this experience in Colombia.

    5/5 - (5 votes)
    Artículos recomendados
    Cartagena’s city in Colombia country – Cartagena's balconies in Colombia country | Colombia Country Brand

    Discover the difference between Colombia the country and Columbia

    It’s normal to hear about Columbia when you’re talking about Colombia the country and all about it. But the truth...

    Once upon a time: eight Colombian children's stories worth reading

    These eight children's stories have left a mark in the lives of Colombians. Any child can narrate at least one...
    food tourism, the best spots, the best restaurants, Coffee Cultural Landscape, gastronomy tourism, traditional food, typical dishes, business meetings

    Enjoy the Food tourism in the Coffee Cultural Landscape

    A unique tour of the top places to eat the most traditional food in the coffee district. Enjoy food tourism...
    Foreigners, Colombia, Tourism

    Four foreigners explain why they fell in love with Colombia

    The kindness of Colombians, the country’s inimitable landscapes and culture and the very happiness in the air, made these four...

    Five entrepreneurs inspired by the power of Colombian chocolate

    Chocolate is changing lives across Colombia in more ways than one. Not only is this popular superfood central to future...
    Gabriel García Márquez, Nobel of literature, One hundred years of solitude, Literature, Colombia, Gabo

    The five most representative colombian writers

    The list is headed by Gabriel García Márquez, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, and Candelario Obeso, the...

    Get to know Colombia’s beautiful and varied traditional clothing

    From the high, cool mountain regions to the low, warm coastal zones, Colombians have adopted beautiful traditional clothes as diverse...
    Colombian Food

    10 Key Ingredients in Colombian Cooking

    Colombians have a deep love of family and enjoy nothing more than gathering as many relatives as possible around the...

    Everything you need to know about Cartagena’s Hay Festival

    Cartagena prepares to host the tenth edition of Colombia´s most important literature festival. Here’s what you should know.
    Santuario de las Lajas, Holy Week, Colombia

    Five unforgettable places to experience Colombia’s Holy Week

    Here are five unforgettable places to experience the passion of a Colombian Easter weekend: