UNOCACE (Unión de Organizaciones Campesinas Cacaoteras del Ecuador) is a second-tier cooperativerepresenting small-scale cocoa producers in Ecuador. Established in 1999, the organization unites 18 local cocoa producer associations, with the goal of improving farmer incomes, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring high-quality cocoa production.
UNOCACE is committed to preserving Ecuador’s fine-flavor “Cacao Nacional Arriba” variety, which is renowned for its unique floral and fruity aroma. Through training, technical assistance, and access to premium markets, the cooperative empowers farmers to adopt sustainable and organic cocoa farming methods, enhancing both environmental and economic resilience.
In collaboration with Ecotop, UNOCACE integrates Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) systems into cocoa farms. This partnership promotes biodiversity, improves soil fertility, and increases cocoa yields, ensuring a more sustainable and profitable future for smallholder cocoa farmers in Ecuador.
