Nicaragua is called "The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" due to its countless volcanoes, most of which are still active, as well as lakes, rivers, and lagoons that provide stunning landscapes.
The country has a tropical climate, and agriculture is the main economic activity.
In 2015, Nicaragua was recognized by the International Cocoa Organization as a country of origin for 100% fine cocoa. Only 9 countries are recognized as such.
In the municipality of Nandaime, there is an extraordinary microclimate, tempered by the Mombacho volcano, which also provides rich volcanic soil highly suitable for cocoa cultivation. Its humble town also had a wonderful chocolate adventure. In the 19th century, Chocolates Menier established here to plant thousands of cacao trees, and the company exported its products to Europe.
Hoping to see the canal project in Nicaragua come to fruition, which would facilitate shipping across the Atlantic, it was ultimately Panama that won the bid. Menier then abandoned its plantation in Nicaragua to return to France.
Today, little remains of the famous "Valle Menier" and its cocoa trees... But a century and a few more years later, we chose to take control and build our own cocoa plantation, right where the famous chocolate factory had started its great journey.
The industrial era brought about fundamental changes for chocolate and cocoa that affected everyone, from the grower to the end consumer.
