Our Story
A Legacy Rooted in the Amazon
Origin Amazonia is a pioneering Brazilian enterprise dedicated to exporting ultra-premium cacao and cupuaçu beans sourced directly from the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Our journey began with De Mendes Chocolate, a bean-to-bar company founded by chocolatier and researcher César De Mendes in 2019. For De Mendes, chocolate was never just a product—it was a gateway to a deeper understanding of native Brazilian cacao and its innate connection to the Amazonian communities that have cultivated it for generations.
Deep Connections with the Amazon and Its People
From the very beginning, our mission has been to establish sustainable and ethical partnerships with the indigenous peoples, quilombolas (maroon settlements), riverside dwellers, and family farmers who have preserved the Amazon for generations. These communities play a vital role in cultivating native cacao and other forest products, ensuring that their unique flavors and biodiversity remain intact.
By working closely with these guardians of the forest, Origin Amazonia supports a regenerative approach to agriculture. Our sourcing prioritizes native cacao harvested in preserved forest areas, agroforestry systems, and reforestation initiatives, contributing to both environmental conservation and economic development.
"I always had the impression that cacao came from Central America or Europe. Nobody talked about Brazil, let alone the Amazon. That really bothered me." – César De Mendes in an interview.
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What Sets Us Apart
Exceptional Quality:
We specialize in rare and native cacao varieties, celebrated for their rich, complex flavors and unmatched purity. Our beans cater to the growing global demand for premium ingredients in fine chocolate and specialty food markets.
Sustainability
Our commitment to environmental conservation and social responsibility is at the core of everything we do. We source exclusively from preserved native forests, agroforestry systems, and regeneration projects — all of which are visited regularly by our team. Origin Amazonia’s goal is to build long term relationships with both our suppliers and clients.
Traceability & Transparency
Each Single Origin lot is fully traceable, with blockchain technology. This provides buyers with detailed insights into the beans’ origins as well as post-harvest practices. Origin Amazonia is dedicated to upholding transparency to reinforce its commitment to sustainable sourcing and production practices.
"Those who preserve the Amazon are the indigenous peoples, who manage the forest without cutting it down, using it in a sensible, wise, and balanced way." – César De Mendes in an interview.
Honoring the Amazon’s Rich Heritage
Our cacao tells the story of the land, the people, and the traditions that make it truly unique. Each bean carries the essence of the Amazon, from the diverse biomes that shape its flavor to the careful hands that nurture its growth. Through our dedication to quality, sustainability, and ethical partnerships, Origin Amazonia is not only exporting premium ingredients but also preserving a legacy for future generations.
We invite you to experience the finest Amazonian cacao and cupuaçu—a taste of the rainforest, cultivated with care and respect for the land and its people.
