PROTECTING CLIMATE & NATURE

Testimonials
eduardo Espinoza
"Looking at the example of our white Piura cacao, preserving its genetic diversity represents identity, history, biodiversity conservation, and resilience".

Head of Cacao at Cooperativa Norandino 
and pioneer in preserving the ancient Piura cacao

The Foodprint Testimonials bring our chocolate and impact to life through the voices of the people who shape them every day at origin. They are not abstract impact figures, but lived realities from partners, farmers, and field teams who work with cacao, land, and communities across generations.

By giving them a voice, we want to go beyond data and show the human perspective behind our work: how regenerative cacao farming is experienced on the ground, what long-term partnerships make possible, and how impact is created in everyday practice.

What does working with cacao 
mean to you?

Cacao is part of our history and has been a vital part of our family economy. For me personally, it brings great satisfaction to work with small-scale growers, preserve native cacao varieties, and contribute to improving production. I have been working with cacao for over 20 years and have been a cacao producer since childhood.

What makes working with Original Beans different from other cacao players?

Original Beans is a long-time partner of the Cooperative Norandino. It not only enables cacao at a fair price but also develops projects with the communities to improve quality, provides training in regenerative farming, and increases the living conditions of the farming families. Over time, an alliance based on honesty and transparency has been built.

What difference does regenerative cacao farming make for the land, the people, or the communities you work with?

Working within the framework of regenerative agriculture and the preservation of ancestral cacao varieties will strengthen resilience to climate, economic, and social changes. Clean agriculture and the conservation of native species enable environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Cacao in agroforest systems is an environmentally friendly crop that gives back to farming communities.

Where do you think your work will impact the future of cacao?

We believe that the work of rescuing native cacao varieties and generating promising medium-production cultivars will directly impact the improvement of productivity and economic income for other producers; likewise, it will encourage the conservation of native species and the resilience and sustainability of the cacao production system.

What would you like people to know when they buy an Original Beans chocolate?

They should know that behind every bite of Original Beans chocolate are producers who work the land every day, care for the environment, and protect biodiversity. At the same time, the income generated from cacao allows them to support their families and invest in their children’s education. This is why valuing these products and implementing development projects is essential to recognise their commitment to quality.

Why is preserving the genetics of native cacao essential for producers and quality?

Looking at the example of our white Piura cacao, preserving its genetic diversity represents identity, history, biodiversity conservation, and resilience. Piura cacao is considered one of the distinct genetic groups within the broader classification of native cacao varieties. It is a high-quality cacao, distinguished by the color of its seeds and its organoleptic attributes. This differentiation allows for greater recognition of its quality and further supports our communities.

April 2026

ACTIVISTS.
CUSTODIANS.
CONNOISSEURS.
Every year, we see firsthand how preserving cacao forests, building a climate-friendly supply chain, ensuring fair compensation and empowering Indigenous communities creates lasting change. With the support of our customers, partners and cacao growers, we’re turning these commitments into action.