Confessions of a Chocolatier

Kallari (pronounced kai-YAH-ri) is a cooperative made up of about 850 organic cacao farmers in the Napo region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. 100% of the profits from this chocolate are returned to the community in support of sustainable development and rain forest conservation. This chocolate is not fair trade certified because of how much it would cost the farmers, but they receive four times the price of fair trade for their product. I was introduced to Kallari a couple of years ago when I bought one of their more commonly found 75% bars with black and green packaging at whole foods. At the time I believed it to be too strong and bitter, but as my taste has evolved I have come to appreciate the intense flavor of Ecuadorian cacao. I also didn’t quite grasp the importance of the co-op and their role in supporting local economy.

Kallari had a booth at both Indulge LA and the LA Chocolate Salon over the weekend which was sponsored by the Trade Office of Ecuador in Los Angeles. Representing Kallari both days was non other than the founder, environmental activist Judy Logback. Here I was able to be reintroduced to their company and taste their bars once again. Along with their three bars found at whole foods they have a line of three Sacha bars which are made by hand in small batches, sold only at specialty shops. These Sacha bars are made and owned by the farmers completely, where as the regular bars are made by a hired factory. Pictured above is the rustically packaged 75% Sacha bar I bought for $4 at the LA Chocolate Salon. This less refined chocolate bar has a more gritty texture than it’s Swiss style counterparts that is surprisingly not unpleasing. Beginning with rich chocolate and subtle fruit aromas, a strong vanilla flavor gives way to notes of toasted marshmallow and coffee, ending with a satisfying aftertaste!