Sur del Lago

SUR DE LAGO

The southern sub-region of the Lake of Maracaibo encompasses several states of Venezuela (Zulia, Merida, Táchira and Trujillo) and it is one of the country's most important cacao-growing regions. Benefiting from rich alluvial soils, abundant rainfall, and a tropical climate, the region has been producing cacao for generations.

THE FARM

Most of the cacao is cultivated by smallholders managing a few hectares of land, often combining traditional farming practices with generations of local knowledge. Through centralised collection, quality control, and post-harvest management, the beans are carefully selected and blended to ensure consistency while maintaining the distinctive profile of Sur del Lago cacao.

POST HARVEST

Our partner sources cacao from smallholder farmers throughout the Sur del Lago region in two forms: wet beans and dried beans.

For wet beans, carefully developed fermentation protocols are applied at a central facility. Over the years, multiple fermentation methods have been tested and refined to meet different customer requirements and desired flavour profiles.

The drying process takes place in wooden drying boxes, where the beans are moved regularly to ensure uniform drying. Exposure to sunlight is gradually increased over several days, allowing the beans to dry slowly and consistently until the optimal moisture content is reached. This controlled approach helps preserve flavour quality and contributes to a more stable and consistent final product.