Valrhona first met M. Libânio in the state of Bahia in the late 2000s. He is driven by a philosophy that promotes harmony between people, soils and plants, so that all can live together in a sustainable environment.
The company is located in one of the richest ecosystems in the world, the Mata Atlantica, an area that has been named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. M. Libânio’s employees use the “Cabruca” system, which involves allowing taller trees such as fruit trees to grow above smaller varieties such as cacaos. Recently, M. Libânio has developed a modern agroforestry system that grows cocoa under the shade cast by rubber trees. Today, their plantations are certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
The couverture’s cocoa comes entirely from the Paineiras farm, which covers 722 hectares, 72% of which are Atlantic rain forest (or the Mata Atlantica) whose wildlife, plantlife and resources have been protected.
Valrhona is proud to work hand-in-hand with this long-standing partner to take social and environmental action.