Our Sources
Soul Lift Cacao is a social enterprise working exclusively with indigenous groups that prepare artisanal cacao at Lake Atitlán (pictured above), in the western highlands of Guatemala.
Seekers and explorers travel there from around the world to soak up the powerful energy of what is certainly one of the most beautiful spots in the Western Hemisphere.
Three immense volcanos line the lake’s southern edge. And around the lake, Mayan tribes can be found speaking their own unique language dialects. Even though the villages look close on the map, these sub-cultures evolved distinctly due to the difficulty of traveling around the lake in the past.
Whereas most cacao in the world passes through at least 10 hands from farm to consumer, what you buy from Soul Lift Cacao has passed through closer to 4 or 5. And we also take steps to ensure that the cacao farmers are making more than global standards as well.
CACAO PRODUCERS
Ruk’u’x Ulew women’s collective
RUK’U’X ULEW (pronounced “Roo-koosh Oo-lay-oo”)
The “Heart of the Earth” women’s collective in San Marcos la Laguna selects the best beans grown at an indigenous family farm near Cobán, and roasts the beans over a wood fire.
The women hand-peel the beans in groups, smiling much of the time. They pour intentions into it to be a "soul medicine" for the world.
This collective is fully owned by Mayan indigenous women.
Tz’utujil cacao family
TZ’UTUJIL (pronounced “Tsoo-too-heel”)
This cacao is grown near the Pacific Coast before an indigenous family finishes it by roasting over wood fire in San Pedro la Laguna, on the southern shore of Lake Atitlán.
The Mayan family still uses traditions passed down by their ancestors, keeping them alive even through the Guatemalan civil war that ended in the 1990s.
Spiritual leaders Tata Pedro and Nana Marina direct the group, and incorporate the cacao into the Mayan indigenous ceremonies they host around the world.
The family retains 80% of proceeds from their sales! The other portion goes to their helpers who sell and transport the cacao.
They source their cacao beans from a farm with which they have close family ties.
Izaias S. Mendoza and Izabel Pérez
LAVALOVE
Made by husband and wife duo Izaias Mendoza and Izabel Pérez in San Marcos la Laguna, Lavalove cacao is a blend sourced from small farms on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala
Many indigenous women in the village of San Marcos are employed in the production process.
The beans are selected, roasted, and peeled by hand, then ground and poured into blocks.
Izaias is also a Tata (spiritual leader) who hosts Mayan ceremonies to give people a direct experience of the local traditions.
CACAO SOURCE
Info coming soon!