The CACAONICA RL cooperative, located in the beautiful region of Waslala on the North Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, is much more than a collection of cocoa farmers. It is an example of how dedication, collaboration, and effort can transform entire communities.
Since its founding in 2000, CACAONICA has been a pillar in the lives of hundreds of local farmers. With 369 certified producers, the cooperative has established itself as a benchmark in cocoa production under agroforestry systems, being this the main area they serve.
Yadira Carolina Cruz Granados, manager of the cooperative, leads with passion and vision. Under her leadership, CACAONICA has made significant strides that have driven the development of both the organization and its members.
One of the most outstanding milestones has been its participation in the Cocoa Flavors Map, an initiative of the MOCCA program that seeks to highlight the unique organoleptic characteristics of cocoa in the region. Connecting with buyers looking for differentiated flavor profiles has been an invaluable opportunity for the cooperative, opening new markets and increasing the quality and price of its product.
MOCCA is a 7-year initiative funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food for Progress Program, which seeks to improve agricultural productivity and expand trade in agricultural products. The MOCCA project is being executed by a consortium led by TechnoServe. Lutheran World Relief leads the cocoa activities.
Thanks to the joint work of the producers and the support of the MOCCA program, CACAONICA has achieved a 90% increase in the quality of its cocoa, as well as a 20% increase in the sale price. Reducing losses due to poor fermentation to 100% has been a significant achievement, increasing incomes and improving the quality of life of farmers who receive a differentiated price for their cocoa.
The impact of these improvements is reflected in the investments made by the cooperative. From improving infrastructure for cocoa processing to increasing the salaries of technical staff, each action directly benefits farmers and strengthens the community as a whole.
In addition, CACAONICA shares its knowledge and experiences with other organizations in the community, promoting collaboration and mutual learning. The cooperative has become a role model, inspiring other organizations to work on standardizing quality and flavor profiles.
