"Paccari is the only company in the sector that works with biodynamic cocoa"
Paccari is an organic chocolate brand that was born in Ecuador, founded in 2002 by Carla Barbotó and Santiago Peralta, with whom we have spoken to learn a little more about this firm and the packaging of its products.
Why was Paccari created and what is its philosophy?
It was created with a mission: to put Ecuador on the map of high quality chocolate producers, not only for its fine aroma cocoa. We wanted to break the chain of being only raw material exporters to other countries and we have currently come to market our chocolates in 42 countries around the world.
Our model is called from the "tree to the bar", trying to make our chocolates as pure, authentic and natural as possible, thus evoking the very name of the brand, since Paccari means nature in Quichua, the indigenous language of Ecuador.
It should be noted that Paccari is the leader of the raw chocolate movement and the only company in the sector that works with biodynamic cocoa. In addition, our sustainable model with the environment and producers goes beyond offering higher prices for certified organic cocoa, it means collaborating closely through direct trade with farmers and carrying out a large number of social projects.
What is your commitment to fair trade?
Our business model 'from the tree to the bar' is focused on the direct relationship with around 4000 small-scale farmers, who are in charge of caring for biodiversity and the quality of cocoa, receiving a higher price for this commitment, which even You can triple your income.
What we wanted was to change the structure, from slavery to humanism, in the industry. There are companies that produce chocolate that have a cost of sale three times lower than the cost of production and that cannot be possible.
Thanks to our work, in 2019 we became members of the global community of World Fair Trade, an organization that watches over fair trade worldwide, and that demonstrates our commitment to creating sustainable livelihoods and social change. prioritizing people and planet over profit.
What ingredients do they use? How is your production process?
The main ingredient of Paccari chocolates is biodynamic cocoa. In addition, our chocolates are one of the few delicacies highly recommended as a healthy habit: without dairy, gluten or refined sugar, and with a high concentration of cocoa and use of 100% organic ingredients and free of agrochemicals.
Regarding production, we obtain the raw material from 4000 small-scale farmers, with whom we work directly, which allows us to offer them higher prices. They are part of our team and we like them to feel they are a fundamental part of the value chain.
Of these 4000 national cocoa farmers, 200 had been practicing biodynamic cultivation in the last four years. They work on farms where they have adopted self-regenerating ecosystems, free of chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers. In this type of biodynamic agriculture, a variety of sustainable farming techniques are used to achieve maximum soil fertility, healthy crops and livestock, this includes composting, crop rotation, interplanting and seed saving.
For all of the above, in 2013, Paccari obtained the prestigious Demeter Biodynamic Certification, the highest recognition of sustainability. It is the only entity that certifies the different farms and biodynamic products in the world.
The tree-to-bar production process ensures that, at the appropriate time, the cocoa pods are picked and the seeds to be made into chocolate are carefully extracted. The seeds are fermented in special boxes for 4 to 5 days. It is at this stage when the secondary flavors of fine aroma cocoa are awakened. Once fermented, the cocoa goes through its drying process, the last step before being transferred to the chocolate factory. Upon arrival at the factory in Quito, the cacao is classified according to its origin and then it is selected by hand, only the best fruits are chosen. All this is made in Ecuador, from the raw material to the final packaging.
How many references do you have and which is the most sold?
In Ecuador, there are more than 150 references related to organic chocolate and organic cocoa derivatives, among the best sellers: in bars, Maracuyá; mini bars, Pack Mix; cereals, with organic cocoa; toppings, Raw 70% cocoa; superfoods, Cocoa Nibs; vegan ice cream, chocolate: mixes, brownie; 100% unsweetened cocoa powder and instant cocoa powder.
In Spain we have 22 references available. The best-selling bar is Passion Fruit, the best-selling Raw 70% Cocoa Coverage, and the best-selling superfood is 100% Unsweetened Cocoa Powder.
What characterizes your packaging?
Wrapping in an environmentally responsible way is a challenge and at the same time an opportunity for Paccari, but we want to show the food industry that it is viable to break with the current packaging models.
All the production of the popular 50g bars is carried out with biodegradable wrappers made from vegetable cellulose, which replaces 100% of the plastic. This natural material has the property of disintegrating in 180 days, without contaminating the environment, which represents an achievement since under other conditions plastic takes 500 years to degrade.
My wife, Carla Barbotó, president of Paccari and responsible for implementing the principles of sustainability in the company, recognizes the incidence of the food sector in the generation of plastic waste: "our responsibility with the planet encouraged the progressive transition to replace the materials that cover our products to eliminate the generation of plastic, a mandatory step for a company with the values we represent”.
What certifications do they have?
With the Demeter Biodynamic Certification, the WFTO Fair Trade Certification (Working Together for a Fairer World), the GMP Quality Certification from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health, the HACCAP Quality Certification, the B Company Certification, the Kosher Certification, the Organic of Ecuador, the European Organic Certification and the USA Organic Certification.
They have received 22 new awards for excellence at the International Chocolate Awards-Americas 2021-2022, what do the awards mean to Paccari?
On this occasion, we obtained 22 new awards that add to the list of almost 400 in our two decades of history.
We receive these recognitions with great pride and happiness, which are a reflection of the conscious work of all those who make up our production chain. We also thank consumers who support our philosophy and value our products. It is an incentive to continue creating ethical chocolates of excellent quality that place Ecuador at the top of the industry and, above all, that take care of both the environment and our producers.
Can it be sustainable and continue to grow? What message would you send to companies that are reluctant to invest in sustainability and CSR?
Of course yes, in fact for us sustainability is a fundamental part, a pillar on which the company started, it is part of its DNA. It was not acquired along the way, but that is how it was born. We understand sustainability as the result in which everyone in the value chain is benefited throughout the process. A higher price is paid so that farmers can also take care of their environment and deforestation is minimized.
We have organic, biodynamic and fair trade certifications, since we propose projects so that farmers are the ones who can be sustainable in the long term, respecting the environment and also respecting all associates.
I would tell them that sustainability is very important for their competitive advantage, reputation, loyalty of members of the organization, users, and customers, which will maintain their motivation, commitment, and productivity, as well as profitability. It is essential to have more humane companies that care about the development of people and surrounding communities, that are transparent and aware of their impact and work to live more in harmony with their environment.
Social responsibility practices add value to the company, which can take advantage of this differentiating potential for its business strategies. Credibility is another point in favor of a socially responsible company, because if it is respectful of people and the environment, it will earn a reputation that will guarantee its permanence in the market.
