AEstablished in 2010, Maya Mountain Cacao (MMC), a subsidiary of Uncommon Cacao, gained recognition for pioneering Belize's craft chocolate sector through the centrally-fermented cacao social enterprise model. It was the country's first to produce high-quality exports of this kind for the U.S. market. Presently managed by Diane Coy, MMC collaborates with 450 certified organic smallholder cacao growers in Belize's Toledo and South Stann Creek regions. The majority of these growers, who belong to indigenous Q’eqchi’ and Mopan Maya communities, have been cultivating cacao for generations.
Operated by a 100% Belizean Maya-led team, MMC processes all cacao at a specialized post-harvest facility, utilizing a unique three-stage sun drying process to enhance flavors. The beans, carefully cultivated by MMC's network of producers and fermented by their team, consistently deliver balanced flavor notes of honey, pineapple, and raisin. MMC also crafts distinct microlots, including cacao from the Trio agroforestry project and infused ferments.
In 2019, Maya Mountain Cacao was honored with a Cocoa of Excellence Award, securing its position among the top 20 global cocoas. It was also designated as a Heirloom Cacao Preservation (HCP)
Cocoa bean source: Uncommon Cacao/Maya Mountain
