Patanemo

PATANEMO

Patanemo is a historic cacao-growing village located in Carabobo state, on Venezuela’s central Caribbean coast. Nestled between the Coastal Range and the Caribbean Sea, the Patanemo Valley benefits from a humid tropical climate, fertile alluvial soils and abundant natural shade.

Cacao has been cultivated here for generations and remains closely connected to the identity and traditions of the community. Patanemo is recognised for its fine-flavour cacao and its Protected Geographical Indication (IGP – Indicación Geográfica Protegida), highlighting the unique relationship between this cacao, its territory and local know-how.

THE FARM

Cacao in Patanemo is grown on small family farms, where knowledge has been passed down through generations. The cacao trees grow in traditional agroforestry systems, under the shade of banana, citrus and native forest species.

Production remains small-scale and artisanal, with particular attention given to harvesting and quality. The beans undergo a meticulous hand-selection process, removing defective beans and impurities to achieve a clean, homogeneous premium lot.

POST HARVEST

Ripe cacao pods are harvested manually and opened shortly after harvest. The fresh beans are carefully prepared for fermentation, which takes place in traditional wooden boxes covered with banana leaves.

Fermentation lasts approximately 5–6 days, with periodic turning to promote an even fermentation and the development of Patanemo’s characteristic flavour profile.

After fermentation, the cacao is slowly sun-dried for approximately 7–10 days, depending on weather conditions. During this process, the beans are carefully handled and subsequently hand-selected, ensuring that only beans meeting the required quality standards are prepared for export.