Welcome to La Hacienda Chocolate, where each bar is a labor made with love, created from the heart of our family estate, Rancho El Paso. The fertile green landscapes of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, are the foundation of our hacienda: the land, the root of our heritage, the source of our passion.
Imagine Esmeraldas: a province where the dense green jungle embraces the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, and the air fills with the sounds of Afro-Ecuadorian music and the rich aroma of cacao. This region, with such deep history and culture, is the birthplace of our family, as well as generations of farmers who have worked this fertile land.
At Rancho El Paso, we proudly and humbly produce La Hacienda Chocolate, supporting not only our own family but also the farmers who, with great dedication, work alongside us. Our cacao trees, nourished by the rich soils of Esmeraldas, yield beans that truly capture the essence of this land. Every piece of chocolate we craft carries the tradition, culture, and the profound bond we share with this extraordinary place.
La Hacienda is not just a product; it is a promise to our community. By supporting our chocolate, you are backing a family business that remains faithful to tradition, sustainability, and the well-being of our farmers and their families. Every bite offers the pure taste of Ecuadorian cacao and the richness of Esmeraldas’ cultural heritage—an authentic and unforgettable flavor, just like the land from which it comes.
“The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.”
— Deuteronomio 28:12
About our cacao
The excellence of our cacao comes from a completely artisanal process, guided with passion from our farm in Esmeraldas. We dedicate ourselves to each step, from the cultivation of the prestigious Nacional and CCN-51 varieties to the meticulous care of the fermentation and drying of each bean. This work allows us to guarantee the purity and authenticity of cacao with an extraordinary sensory profile. The result is a flavor that not only enriches but also tells the story of a craft, reflecting in every floral, fruity, coffee, and earthy note the character and passion of our land.
A food that nourishes the body and soul
Cacao is much more than a food: it is an ancestral source of holistic well-being. Its moderate consumption contributes to physical and emotional balance thanks to its flavonoids, which improve circulation, reduce oxidative stress, and promote cardiovascular health. Additionally, it stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation.
Certifications we work with on an international scale
BPM (GMP) Certification
FDA Approval
Production Lines
Catering Service
Chocolate bars
Cacao liqueur and chocolate coatings
About logistics and export
- Freight (air - sea) + cold chain
- Value per kilo
- Issuance of AWB
- Transfer
- Cargo handling
- Anti-narcotics inspection
- Customs clearance
- All-risk insurance policy
Remember: Export prices vary depending on the transport company, the season, the destination, and the dimensions and weights of the packaging. We will always provide you with a personalized quote.
Our doors are open for you.
We understand your concern for the safety and integrity of the product, from its harvest, through production, to its shipment to your destination country. That’s why we invite you to be part of the production and export process.
- You can visit the farmswhere the cacao is harvested and fermented.
- You can enter the factoryand witness the production of the cacao used for your product, as well as access the sensory laboratories, where you can taste the preliminary version of the product and make adjustments if you wish.
- You can also see how the logistics chain takes your product to the port(by air or sea).
The entire process is transparent and efficient. We can plan your visit along with the production and export process.