CABRUCAKAKAO
ORGANIC COCOA
Our
Commitment
ECOLOGICAL
Organic-certified production in line with EU standards
BIODIVERSITY-FRIENDLY
Protecting biodiversity through cabruca agroforestry
DIRECT TRADE
Certified working conditions and socially fair wages. No middlemen.
In the shade of Brazil's Atlantic rainforest, the Mata Atlântica, our cocoa is grown as part of the natural forest ecosystem, harvested and processed by hand. This ensures the best possible growing conditions. The organic certification of our production guarantees the highest quality for people and nature. The Mata Atlântica is one of the most species-rich ecosystems on earth, 90% of its area has been destroyed in the last century. It is only due to traditional cocoa cultivation in the Cabruca agroforestry system that the biodiversity of the region has been preserved. We, Bom Pastor Lda, are a social enterprise dedicated to biodiversity-friendly cocoa cultivation for humans and nature. As a social enterprise, we focus on fair wages and the conservation of biodiversity in our cocoa forests. This means that our cocoa is a direct symbol of biodiversity-friendly production.
Our Cocoa
Ilhéus, Bahia
OUR COCOA FORESTS
Cocoa forests - so called cabrucas shape the landscape of the cocoa coast of southern Bahia, Brazil's traditional cocoa-growing region. The region's biodiversity has been preserved thanks to these cocoa forests. Cabrucas are used by the native fauna as corridors between rainforest fragments or as habitats themselves. A large portion of Brazil's cocoa has been produced on the Cocoa Coast for more than 250 years. Cocoa cultivation is the most important economic sector in the region and provides many jobs for local farmers. Bom Pastor Lda. cultivates 20 hectares of certified organic cabruca on the Fazenda Bom Pastor, and a further 30 hectares will be reforested with cocoa agroforestry in the upcoming years. As a cocoa producer, we have joined the Cabruca Cooperative, a local association of organic cocoa farmers. Our farm has been certified organic since 2024. We are now working towards Demeter certification. By expanding our Cabruca cocoa forest, we will be able to provide more employees from the region with secure and well-paid work.
OUR BIODIVERSITY
Cabrucas are essential for preserving the region's biodiversity. This traditional forestry makes it feasible to harmonize species protection and human well-being. Cabrucas are home to a unique fauna of amphibians and reptiles whose diversity is among the highest in the world. The region is classified as an Important Bird Area. By investing in the biodiversity-friendly production of cocoa, we are helping to preserve the Cabruca agroforestry system. The conservation of the endangered golden-headed lion tamarins plays a special role here. At least three family groups of marmosets live on the Fazenda Bom Pastor and the neighboring forests. The largest group comprises 7-8 animals. The population of golden-headed lion tamarins is highly endangered due to habitat destruction and they have only been able to survive as a result of cocoa cultivation, as they can use cabrucas as corridors or habitats if these are managed in a biodiversity-friendly way.
OUR FAZENDA
Fazenda Bom Pastor is one of the oldest farms in the region and covers a total of 186 hectares. Currently, 20 hectares of “cabruca” are used for cocoa cultivation, providing five local families with a secure income. We are planning to reforest a further 30 hectares of pastureland with cocoa forest. In addition to 36 hectares of secondary forest adjoining our cabruca, our reforestation project is located on the Fazenda Bom Pastor. From 2018 to 2021, a wildlife corridor was reforested on 46 hectares of former pastureland. This will connect two habitat fragments for the endangered golden-headed lion tamarins, which are only found in this region, and the native fauna. Over 50,000 seedlings from the biodiverse Mata Atlântica portfolio were planted on Bom Pastor and are now growing into a wildlife corridor. Around 75% of the tree species we planted are pioneer species that improve soil fertility and grow quickly. Many of the approximately 80 tree species will provide food resources for golden-headed lion tamarins and native fauna in the future. This project is considered a global model and pioneer project and is being scientifically monitored.
THE TEAM
OUR COCOA CULTIVATION
Behind the scenes
Biodiversity-friendly - from the first to the last step
The future of cocoa
YOUR PARTNERSHIP
We are looking for long-term partnerships to create your finest products with our organic cocoa. A partnership enables us to conserve the biodiversity of the Mata Atlântica and offers you direct access to our cocoa and the bean-to-bar concept. We will be happy to send you product samples of our raw cocoa on request.
We are looking for cooperation and investment partners in order to establish more species-rich cocoa forests together. Invest in a partnership for future organic cocoa, the conservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change.
YOUR LOCAL CONTACT ON SITE
CHRISTIAN WOLFF
Biologist and projectcoordinator
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Are you interested in our organic cocoa and our work to protect the environment?
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Are you a chocolatier looking for a direct supplier for bean-to-bar products?
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Are you looking for gifts for your customers or employees?
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Are you interested in a multivisionshow about the Mata Atlântica and our work?
Then get in touch with me!
We are looking for cooperation and investment partners for our cocoa forests in order to expand our organic cocoa production and thus protect the Mata Atlântica.
OUR
PARTNER
Our cocoa is certified organic
