Heart of the Earth Cacao ~ The Why Behind Rising Prices

I would like to share some words about why the sacred cacao from Guatemala is now priced higher than it was for the last few years.

Maman Cacao bases the prices on the wholesale costs, fees and shipping required to bring the product overseas. 

Cecilia Mendoza Chiyal, founder of Ruk'u'x Ulew (pronounced Roo-Koosh-Ouh-Leh-Ou ~ Meaning ‘Heart Of The Earth’ in the native language of Kaqchikel) expresses a few of her own words here which I was given permission to share. 

“This price increase is not so much for profit, it's more about supporting the families involved in this project, which you too, have been a part of this project…”

Cacao prices have risen worldwide creating a ripple effect that directly impacts farmers, producers, distributors and consumers. Cecilia expresses that they tried for a long time to keep the prices lower but now it is no longer sustainable. 

The reason this cacao is so special is because of the love and heart that goes into creating it. Not only is this cacao 100% Mayan owned, but it is also 100% female run. Cecilia started off on her own and grew this beautiful business to support the women in her community. Supporting this collective keeps a lot of money at the source compared to factory-made chocolate and other companies that inaccurately label their products “ceremonial”. 

 “I love this work, the cacao is a teacher for me. It is not an obligation; it is a loving project. We don’t rush the process, we work patiently. I explain the importance of this to each of the women. Our customers often report that they can feel the love we put into it.”

- Cecilia ~ Ruk'u'x Ulew

It is such an honour to bring handcrafted artisanal “Heart of the Earth” cacao from Guatemala to Quebec, Canada. This sacred cacao is weaved with so much wisdom, devotion and love. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with this plant medicine and so fortunate to be able to bring it to all of you.

I hope these words assist you in understanding the importance of supporting businesses that honour every aspect of production. Maman Cacao serves as a bridge to bring “Liquid Gold” to the communities here, to allow access to one of the finest quality ceremonial cacaos out there. I believe that when we truly appreciate how sacred this product is, we can move beyond the energetic exchange required to receive it.

With love and gratitude,

Nicole

Photographs 1, 2 & 4 by Ruk'u'x Ulew (Sofía Pérez)