The idea of founding Corazon de Cacao was from the very beginning more than just the desire to build a successful business. We aimed to create something that goes beyond mere economic success – a project that combines entrepreneurship with deep social commitment. We have realised that in a traditional business start-up, something crucial is often overlooked: the connection between economic sustainability and social responsibility..
We wanted and want more. We wanted to create a platform that not only gives us the opportunity to realise ourselves but also to give something back.
Our desire to make a genuine contribution drives us to this day. For we, the founders, were all fortunate, as the Indians say, to be born "on the right side of the street." This awareness that our prosperity and opportunities are the result of a privileged start accompanies us every day.
Es fühlt sich an, als hätten wir in der Lotterie des Lebens gewonnen, ohne etwas dafür getan zu haben. Auch deshalb wollen wir etwas zurückgeben – nicht aus Schuldgefühl, sondern aus tiefer Dankbarkeit.
The cocoa is more than just a plant that economically shapes our region. For us, it is the heart of a larger dream. Initially, we saw cocoa primarily as an important crop, but over time we realised that it holds a much deeper significance for the indigenous population. Cocoa is sacred. It is not just food, but a gift from the earth that plays a central role in the spiritual and cultural life of the Maya.
But our project is far greater than cocoa. It is about food forests, about agriculture in harmony with nature. It is about creating something that is not only economically viable but also ecologically and socially sustainable. We dream of transforming bare cow pastures into flourishing forests where people and nature can live in harmony.
Our aim is to demonstrate through examples that change is possible. We want to delve deeper and deeper into Maya culture, understand its wisdom, and share it with others. It is not just about passing on knowledge, but also about learning. We wish to learn how we can live in harmony with nature, and we want to carry this knowledge into the world.
A particularly defining moment for us was the encounter with Benito. He was a simple man who now has to die because of a condition that is actually easily treatable, as he did not have the necessary money to pay for the treatment. This experience deeply affected us. It was a painful but important moment that highlighted the urgency of our actions. Benito is just one example among many – a symbol of the injustice that so many people in our region experience.
With Corazon de Cacao, we want to show that each of us has the power to make a change. Our mission is to protect the environment, create new perspectives, and give people a chance to take their lives into their own hands. Because ultimately, that is what it’s all about: making the most of the opportunities that life offers us – and sharing those chances with others.
