The production of this cacao is possible thanks to the work of the Association des producteurs de cacao de Martinique, Valcaco, with whom we have been working for two years. Valcaco brings together around fifty producers, each of whom owns 1 to 2 hectares of agroforestry land.

When César Magaña, Cacao Sourcer, met them in 2021, he began working with them on all the stages that make fine cocoa: harvesting, drying, fermentation and storage. "The idea was not to buy this cacao straight away. We had a number of requirements, but we also had common objectives. For example, we only work with cacao produced using an agroforestry model, without chemical inputs and, above all, in direct contact with the producers. Our collaboration has been beneficial because today Valcaco's cocoa is super-aromatic, with a complex sensory profile".

All this work was, of course, accelerated by César's visit to Martinique in June 2023. Notably on the question of storage, which is essential for producing quality cacao, and even more so when it comes to bringing it in under sail.

The idea of sailing this cocoa all the way to Europe with Retour à la Base is the culmination of this quality work, which began 2 years ago. "We're proving that Belco is capable of making a commitment to quality, with the producers, and of remaining sustainable to the point of arrival. Decarbonizing maritime transport is a fundamental point that contributes to the overall quality of the cacao", says César.

Particular attention was paid to the packaging of the cocoa during transport, to ensure that it retained all its qualities thanks to the most stable storage possible. Each batch of cacao was transported in an airtight Grain Pro bag, lined with a canvas bag. All of this was placed in a waterproof PLASTIMO bag, like those used by sailors, which could hold 23 kilos of cocoa.

Once each of the 32 Imocas taking part in the race has arrived, the cacao will be processed by Anne Caron, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, as well as the chocolate makers Criollos (La Rochelle) and Lady Merveilles (Vannes). A great way to revitalize the cocoa industry in Martinique!