For over a decade, ChocoSol has been deeply committed to ecological regeneration in the Chinantla region of Oaxaca, Mexico. One of our most cherished partnerships is with the Chinanteco pueblo of San Felipe de León, home to approximately 400 people. This unique community is our exclusive partner for cultivating cacao blanco—the star ingredient in our award-winning Jaguar Pure and Jaguar Swirl chocolates.
The Chinantla region is a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot, hosting over 4,000 plant species. Protecting and regenerating this biodiversity is essential not only for the health of the ecosystem but also for the livelihoods and resilience of its people. By planting cacao blanco and cacao rojo trees alongside other crops like achiote, vanilla, and coffee, the community of San Felipe de León has created a thriving forest garden. This diverse agricultural system offers protection against pests, disease, and market fluctuations while supporting the land, the local flora and fauna, and the people who call the region home.
One of the key voices in this initiative is community elder Don Max, a longtime friend of ChocoSol. Reflecting on the past, Don Max recalls that while cacao blanco has been grown in the area for generations, it had little economic value until ChocoSol began experimenting with Jaguar chocolate. This partnership brought new opportunities for the community, as well as increased recognition for the cultural and culinary significance of cacao blanco. Today, San Felipe de León not only supplies cacao blanco to ChocoSol but also provides it to local women who craft tejate, a pre-Hispanic beverage deeply rooted in Oaxacan traditions.
Don Max envisions a future where cacao blanco becomes an even greater source of pride and prosperity for the region. As he explains, the shift from semi-monoculture coffee farming to the cultivation of diverse forest gardens has been transformative. Coffee trees alone once left the ecosystem and community vulnerable to blights and disease. Now, cacao blanco, along with a wide variety of other crops, has revitalised the area’s biodiversity. This regenerative approach not only stabilises the local economy but also nurtures a sustainable, resilient way of life for future generations.
For Don Max and the people of San Felipe de León, cacao blanco is more than just a crop—it’s a symbol of renewal, a means of subsistence, and a profound connection to the land. As he says, cacao blanco is a gift to his family, the forests, and the entire community—a living testament to the power of collaboration, ecological wisdom, and the enduring spirit of the Chinantla.
At ChocoSol, we are honoured to play a role in this inspiring story of regeneration and to share the delicious results with chocolate lovers around the world.