ABOUT US
United by cacao, connected to the world
We are a business cluster that brings together all the key players in Ecuador’s cacao value chain: farmers dedicated to sustainable cultivation, leading companies in cacao liquor and derivative production, logistics experts specialized in export and distribution, and advisors focused on building brands and products with unique identity.
Our shared purpose is to showcase to the world the wonder of Nacional Arriba fine aroma cacao, an ancestral treasure of Ecuador that now stands globally as a symbol of quality, authenticity, and sustainability.
Leading people in the project
Our team is composed of a high-level, multidisciplinary group of professionals with broad experience across every link of the cacao value chain. We bring together experts in production, quality control, food safety, logistics, international trade, product development, and brand management, working in full coordination to ensure excellence in every project.
Marco Rivera
Food Engineer and Auditor in BPM (GMP), HACCP, FDA, and ISO Standards
Specialist in cacao cultivation, production, and commercialization, with more than thirty national and international certifications in quality, food safety, and regulatory processes. Throughout his professional career, he has held key roles such as Plant Manager, Product Development Director, and Quality Manager (HACCP), leading continuous improvement projects and exports to various international markets. He currently works closely with cacao producers in Ecuador, advising them on compliance with quality standards and facilitating partnerships with leading companies for the processing and export of cacao liquor and its derivatives.
Anahi Negrete
Flight Attendant and Air Traffic Agent, Higher University Technologist in Gastronomy (Chef)
Specialist in cacao formulation and innovation. Throughout her career, she has explored diverse recipes, formulations, and cacao consumption trends across different countries. Her work has focused on the creation and improvement of cacao-based products, combining culinary techniques with research and development processes. She is currently actively involved in projects aimed at the transformation and innovation of Ecuadorian cacao, promoting its appreciation in gourmet and high-quality markets.
Virgilio Aguilar
Master in Business Management, Business Administration Engineer, and ISO Auditor
With more than 25 years of experience in consulting, business advisory, and the development of economic and social projects, he has participated in the formulation and evaluation of business plans, feasibility studies, and financial analyses, providing technical support to private companies, public institutions, and entrepreneurs. His approach combines strategic management, quality control, and process optimization, contributing to organizational strengthening and the success of multiple projects at both national and international levels.
Marco Castillo
Business and Production Engineer, specialization in Management and Control of Raw Materials
He has a solid background in commercial management and consulting, having held key roles such as Marketing Director, General Manager, and Product Advisor in leading agro-industrial and food companies. His expertise covers product formulation, process control, and financial auditing, with a strategic focus on quality, sustainability, and value-added product development. He currently works with Ecuadorian and international firms on projects of innovation, commercialization, and expansion of coffee and cacao derivatives.
Nicolas Sacoto
B.A. in International Relations with a specialization in Foreign Trade
With more than seven years of experience in commercial operations and international relations, he has been part of the Foreign Trade and International Relations Commission of the National Assembly, specializing in negotiation and export strategies. He promotes the global expansion of Ecuadorian products, prioritizing quality, sustainability, and fair trade, while strengthening connections between producers and leading companies worldwide.
Fabricio Peña
Law Graduate and Specialist in Foreign Trade
With a solid legal background complemented by strategic knowledge in international operations, he has stood out for his ability to analyze regulations, negotiate agreements, and manage customs and foreign trade procedures. His professional approach combines respect for the legal framework with a commercial vision, facilitating cross-border business expansion and optimizing import and export processes.
John Brunet
Food Engineer and Quality Specialist
He collaborated in quality assurance and process control for renowned companies in the food industry. He served as a Laboratory QA/QC Technician at Grain Millers, Inc. (United States), Quality Control Specialist at Mondel – Quesos Gourmet (Ecuador), Production and Quality Assurance Intern at Agroapoyo S.A., and Production Intern at Corporación Superior S.A. Throughout his career, he actively participated in the implementation of quality systems, good manufacturing practices, and food safety control.
Your turn!
Share your knowledge / Distribute.
Join our team and be part of the legacy of Ecuadorian cacao. At Cacao from Ecuador to the World, we unite passion, innovation, and purpose—connecting farmers, producers, and experts who share a common vision: to bring the unparalleled Ecuadorian cacao to the world. Together, we transform tradition into excellence, creating products that embody the spirit, flavor, and authenticity of Ecuador.
To strengthen the value chain of Ecuadorian cacao by integrating farmers, producers, processors, logistics, and advisors, delivering to the world authentic high-quality products that embody the richness, sustainability, and tradition of Nacional Arriba fine aroma cacao.
To be the leading business cluster in the international cacao market, recognized for innovation, sustainability, and positive community impact, positioning Ecuador as the global benchmark for fine aroma cacao and its derivatives.
- Sustainability: We promote responsible practices that respect the land and ensure the future of coming generations.
- Quality: We guarantee international standards at every stage of the chain, from cultivation to final delivery.
- Collaboration: We believe in the strength of working together with farmers, companies, and advisors.
- Transparency: We act with ethics and clarity in all our commercial and community relations.
- Innovation: We develop brands, products, and solutions that connect ancestral tradition with global demands.
- Social Commitment: We support the development of cacao-growing communities and foster fair and equitable trade.