About Maman Cacao
We all hold an infinite bank of wisdom within our own heart, when we invite pure presence into our lives ~ we can access it more deeply. Maman cacao can help us bridge the gap between our heart and our mind, find more harmony within and assist us in tapping into our true essence, our inner gold. Sacred ceremonial cacao is truly the bridge between our heart and mind, the gateway to our true essence, the key to unlocking our inner gold. We all have the capacity to be in communion with heaven and earth. We have gold within us all, an infinite bank of wisdom that resides within our own heart when we expand beyond our individual stories we can access so much more.
It’s a privilege to bring “liquid gold” from different parts of the globe to Canada. Honouring where the cacao comes from, the wisdom the plant holds and emphasizing the importance of devotion, integrity and love are the roots of Maman Cacao.
Integrity
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Devotion
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Love
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Community
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Integrity ~ Devotion ~ Love ~ Community ~
About the Cacao
Heart of the Earth, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Photographs 1-6 by Ruk'u'x Ulew (Sofía Pérez)
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It is such an honour to bring handcrafted artisanal “heart of the earth” cacao from Guatemala to Canada. This sacred cacao is weaved with Mayan wisdom, devotion and so much love. Every block of cacao is created by a beautiful women’s collective; I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with this plant medicine and so fortunate to be able to bring it to all of you.
With love,
Nicole
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“Ruk'u'x Ulew was founded in 2016 by Cecilia Mendoza Chiyal, an indigenous Mayan mother of three, born and raised in San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
Cecilia once ran a small cafe in her village and many local women would come and ask her for work. She was troubled by not being able to help all these women with employment, so she would pray to God and sit with the fire spirit and ask: “What path shall I take? What sort business can I do to give enough work to so many women?” Cecilia would prepare her own traditional cacao drink for her family every Christmas and Easter using the highest quality cacao beans, sourced from an organic family farm in Alta-Verapaz. She often received compliments on her delicious cacao. This gave Cecilia the courage to ask a few of the busy cafes in her village if they would be interested in selling her blocks of cacao. They agreed and sold out quickly. The customers reaction to her cacao was overwhelmingly positive.”
“The cacao spirit chose me”, Cecilia says.
“She quickly went from ordering 15 pounds of cacao beans, to 30 pounds, to 50 pounds, then big sacks to keep up with the demand as, the orders kept growing. Cecilia was able to put her children and her closest family members to work, but soon she needed more women to help her process all the cacao beans! Her business quickly grew and she had hired 15 women.”
“It’s a dream for me”, she says “because God answered my prayers and sent me cacao so i could help employ more women in my village”.
“Cecilia also mentions that the cacao spirit has helped her call in the right energy of women to work with her. Working with cacao demands a lot of concentration, presence and attention. She began to notice that the women who had a keen work force loved working with the cacao and that those who weren’t right for the job would not stick around.”
Cecilia explains; “I love this work, the cacao is a teacher for me. It is not an obligation, it is a loving project. We don’t rush the process, we work patiently. I explain the importance of this to each of the women. Our customers often report that they can feel the love we put into it.” ”
- Ruk'u'x Ulew
My hope is that you feel love in every sip that you take, knowing where the cacao comes from, how it is cultivated and acknowledging the entire process is very important. When Maman cacao is honoured, your experience with her transforms. May she show you exactly what you are meant to witness, feel and observe.
Ubud Raw, Bali, Indonesia
Photography by Ubud Raw
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Mama Bali held me through some of my biggest moments of transformation. The minute I landed in Indonesia there was a sense of home that overcame me. The potent energy that exists in Bali is hard to describe but once you experience it, you never forget it. It brings me so much joy to let you know that Maman Cacao has travelled all the way from Ubud Bali. Ubud Raw has some of the most exceptional ceremonial grade cacao and I’m so happy I get to bring it to all of you.
With love,
Nicole
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A few words about the sacred heart medicine from Bali, Indonesia ~ their approach is respectful, honourable and weaved with devotion. It is such a blessing to bring this Cacao to all of you.
“The difference between regular cacao and ceremonial grade cacao is the way it has been processed and prepared. For ceremonial cacao, the processing is kept as minimal and pure as possible. Freshly harvested beans are fermented and then dried, but never roasted. The husks are removed from the dried beans to leave broken cacao nibs. These nibs are then ground into a thick paste. The paste is molded and cooled into solid blocks, then it’s ready to be used as ceremonial cacao. A block like this is similar to 100% chocolate with no sugar added, but it is created simply, without conching or tempering.
The main intention is to leave the cacao in its most natural state, retaining all the precious nutrients and energies that cacao may offer, nothing added nor removed.
Once the beans are delivered to UBUD RAW, we dry them, remove the shells and grind them at minimal temperatures, to preserve the nutritional and biochemical integrity of beans. Each stage of the process is performed with love and intention to create the most delicious and medicinally potent raw ceremonial grade cacao that can be experienced. We believe our UBUD RAW ceremonial cacao is one of the world’s finest quality ceremonial grade cacaos that exist. It is created to support personal growth, spiritual exploration, deep inspiration and connection with the Divine, according to each person’s own beliefs and practices.”
“Ubud raw ceremonial grade cacao has been tested by an independent laboratory to be low on heavy metals.”
Ceremonial grade cacao has the following benefits:
High in Anti-Oxidant
Full of Healthy Fats
Mood Enhancer
Heavy Metal Tested & Safe
Heart Opening
Grounded Energy Source
Increases Focus & Creativity
Essential Vitamins & Minerals such as Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, B1, B2, B3, B5, B9 and E
My hope is that you feel love in every sip that you take. When we acknowledge where the cacao comes from, how it is prepared and honoured throughout the entire process, our experience transforms. When Maman Cacao is truly valued, your journey with her entirely shifts. May Maman Cacao show you exactly what you are meant to witness, feel and observe.
Kaukawa, Cusco, Peru
Photography by Kaukawa
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I have worked intimately with sacred cacao from Peru for years and being there in May 2024 connected me more deeply to the land. I asked Spirit that I be shown if I was meant to bring cacao from Peru to this part of the world ~ shortly after KAUKAWA popped up and I was instantly drawn to them.
I had the opportunity to visit their space in Cusco and connect with their beautiful founder Fiorella Richter.
I feel honoured to be able to bring this labor of love to all of you.
With love,
Nicole
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Honouring founder Fiorella, Sonia & Miriam Valverde ~ a family of women farmers, of the golden cacao in Quillabamba, Cusco, Peru.
“Kaukawa seeks to establish a new approach so Cacao is seen as a sacred plant in our lives, which is a complete different vibration than what regular chocolate represents in the modern times.”
“Our cacao paste is intended to invite you into a journey of deep heart connection along the vibration of the Peruvian energy and unique wisdom of the Andean and Amazon worlds.”
“The golden cacao is an ancient genotype, to be believed one of the first cacao varieties to have been domesticated about 3,000 years ago by indigenous communities. Nowadays, it grows in the high jungle area in Quillabamba, a region of Cusco state, between the Andes mountains & the Amazon rainforest in Peru.”
“Ceremonial cacao is known for its ability to promote relaxation, arouse joy within our bodies and create a deep connection with our hearts. Ceremonial cacao is intended to be used in special rituals, ceremonies and offerings.”
So incredibly honoured to bring this sacred heart medicine to all of you.
Caonia, Rivera, Huila, Colombia
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I just recently returned from traveling in Colombia and I had a feeling I’d be guided to connect to sacred cacao while I was there. I was guided by a friend to Caonia, it was no accident we were staying just steps away from their shop. I knew instantly this was divinely orchestrated. I had the honour of connecting with the founders; Señor Bernardo and his daughter Estefania. I hope you enjoy their story as much as it has touched me. I feel honoured to be able to bring this labor of love to all of you.
With love,
Nicole
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“Caonia are a father and daughter connected by the same purpose, expressed in different ways.
Bernardo is the farmer, the one who listens to the land and cultivates cacao with patience and respect. Estefanía, his daughter, is the one who gives that cacao a new voice—transforming it into natural chocolate through Caonia, honoring its origin while bringing it closer to people.
Together, they are land and vision. Origin and evolution.”
The “Why” Behind Their Work
“At the heart of their work is a deeply human intention: to share a different way of understanding well-being. Bernardo once dedicated his life to selling medicine. Today, he cultivates cacao as a natural source of health. Estefanía continues that path, not only preserving his legacy, but translating it into meaningful products—chocolate that carries story, care, and intention.”
Caonia is founded upon sacred values that are rooted in:
Living in harmony with nature
Honoring the origin of what is consumed
Conscious and sustainable agriculture
Family, legacy, and resilience
Creating with purpose and authenticity
Caonia has the intention to create chocolate that feels real— that connects people not only with flavor, but with origin, story, and well-being.
Sacred Mission
To cultivate cacao with respect for the land and transform it into high-quality natural chocolate through Caonia, sharing a product that nourishes both body and soul.
What makes Caonia special?
“Their cacao grows in a protected natural environment, where biodiversity and life are respected. It is cultivated by Bernardo with care, and transformed by Estefanía into chocolate that preserves its essence. But what truly makes it special is what people feel when they experience it: a story of change, of slowing down, of returning to what truly matters.
A legacy where a father found a new way to live…
and a daughter chose to share it with the world.”My hope is that you feel love in every sip that you take, knowing where the cacao comes from, how it is cultivated and acknowledging the entire process is very important. When Maman cacao is honoured, your experience with her transforms. May she show you exactly what you are meant to witness, feel and observe.
Our Process
“Our product is made from 100% pure cacao, with no sugar or additives at any stage. It is simply cacao that has been fermented, dried, roasted, and ground into a paste.
On the packaging, we use the term “unsweetened table chocolate” because technically the cacao has been transformed into a solid format — a cacao tablet. We did explore calling it just “cacao,” but in the market, cacao is usually associated with the raw bean, and we don’t sell the bean — we offer it already transformed into this solid form, while still keeping it completely pure.”
“Regarding fermentation, it is a key step in developing the cacao’s flavor and aroma. After harvest, the beans are placed in boxes or piles and ferment naturally for several days (typically 3–7). During this time, the sugars in the pulp break down, temperatures rise, and important chemical changes occur inside the bean. These transformations are what create the rich, complex notes of cacao — such as fruity, floral, nutty, or deep chocolate flavors. Without proper fermentation, cacao would taste flat and lack its characteristic aroma. Importantly, nothing is added during this process — it is entirely natural and essential to expressing the true character of the cacao.
So in short: it is pure cacao in a solid (chocolate) form, with no sugar or additives at all, with flavor naturally developed through fermentation.”
CacaoAmor, Ecuador
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2026 has been a big year rooted in collaboration ~ especially with other women. I have felt called to offer more varieties of sacred cacao in my shop and I asked that I be guided to souls who are rooted in the same values as Maman Cacao. I connected with Dia, founder of CacaoAmor and it was an instant YES, I truly feel so grateful to support her heart-work and be able to be the bridge here in Canada. Here is the beautiful story behind the name, mission, cacao and much more!
“CacaoAmor at its core, is the union of two sacred pillars: Cacao (the Master Plant Teacher) and Amor (the frequency of Universal Love). The name translates literally to "Cacao Love." It represents the belief that Cacao is not just a commodity, but a bridge to the heart. The brand's philosophy, the name signifies the "Heart Opener" which is the quality of the medicine, helping people create and fortify the bridge between the "Mind" and the “Shungu” (heart) and “Puyo” known by the West as the navel/womb space.
Our name reflects a commitment to:
• Amor for the Earth: Protecting the native habitat and biodiversity of heirloom Cacao in Ecuador, specifically for now, the three agroforestry farms we work with.
• Amor for the Farmers: Improving the quality of life for the guardians of these trees and land.
• Amor for the Self: Restoring our birthright of pleasure and happiness through drinking and merging with Cacao.
CacaoAmor works with three distinct "Micro-climates of Culture," each representing a unique thread of Ecuadorian resilience and botanical wisdom.
1. Esmeraldas ~ an indigenous ancestral group located in a humid tropical forest.
2. Carchi ~ Located in the northern Andean foothills, this community consists of "settler-guardians" who migrated from Ibarra and the northwestern hills.
3. Manabí ~ represents the beautiful interwoven heritage of the coast; a mixture of the ancient Yumbo people and African lineages that sought freedom in the hills during the colonial era.
Our relationship with these communities is one of Radical Reciprocity. We do not simply "buy" a crop; we participate in a shared mission to protect the Samay (Vital Breath) of the forest. By paying fair-trade premiums and honouring the Nacional bean, we empower these families to remain the "Sentinels of the Soil" against the encroaching threats of deforestation.”
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“Cacao is woven into Dia’s heritage. Dia grew up with this medicine in Ecuador and have been sharing them in ceremonies and circles since 2014. She founded CacaoAmor in 2018 to create a direct bridge to the UK, Europe and beyond. The families she partners with have been stewarding this ancestral Nacional Cacao for multiple generations. Their expertise is rooted in a lifelong relationship with the land.
The partner farms serve as a vital sanctuary; by cultivating Nacional Cacao, the communities are able to protect three of the last standing wild forests in their respective regions. The production of our Fino de Aroma Cacao is what makes the preservation of rare, wild primary forest economically viable for the local guardians. CacaoAmor operates on a model of Radical Reciprocity. Although formal ceremonies were suppressed historically, these communities embody an 'Ancestral Mindset' (Yuyay), treating their groves as sacred ecosystems where wildlife, like howler monkeys and woodpecker birds, are respected co-inhabitants rather than pests. Dia pays annual visits to offer gratitude to the land and share ceremonies with the farmers, thus helping revive the ceremonial heart (Shungu) of Cacao in its birthplace. “We are not just sourcing an ingredient; we are nourishing the cycle of Alli Kawsay (The Good Life) for the land and its people.”
“CacaoAmor is 100% Nacional, the rarest and most aromatic lineage of Cacao native to Ecuador. Classified as Fino de Aroma, our beans are the direct descendants of the original variety collaborated with by ancestral cultures as far back as 5,300 years ago. We bridge the gap between this 5,000-BCE heritage and today’s ceremonial practices, ensuring that every cup carries the high vibrational integrity of the 'Crown Jewel' of Cacao.
Often described as "the sweetest Ceremonial Cacao" and "favourite" of many. CacaoAmor is Cacao paste made from fine Ecuadorian Cacao beans. The beans are fermented and sun dried. Then gently roasted, ground and moulded in Ecuador itself, with great care taken throughout every stage of the process to preserve the health, spiritual and flavour qualities of this amazing superfood. Despite being pure, 100% Cacao, their flavour profile is smooth and gentle, with notes of white flowers, soft fruitiness and an almond finish. When prepared as a drink, it needs nothing more than water to create a rich beverage with a pleasant mouthfeel, a long-lasting aftertaste and a powerful effect on the mind, body and soul.”
How We Make Our Cacao
“Following a precise fermentation process, our Cacao is sun-dried to naturally develop its complex flavour precursors. For roasting, we utilise a specialised rotary drum roaster powered by conventional gas. We have found this method superior for medicinal integrity, as it allows for meticulous temperature control that ensures the Cacao is 'activated' without denaturing its delicate heat-sensitive compounds (such as antioxidants and neurotransmitters). Furthermore, the rotary design prevents any direct combustion gasses from contacting the beans, preserving the purity of the Fino de Aroma profile. While we have explored wood-fired methods, we find they often lack the thermal stability required for medicinal-grade Cacao and can carry a higher environmental footprint in terms of local deforestation. Although we aspire to transition to solar-thermal roasting, we are currently navigating the financial and ecological complexities of industrial battery storage. Our current priority remains the energetic and chemical purity of the final medicine.”
About Our Packaging
“We package our Cacao in high-barrier Metallized Polypropylene. While we are exploring the most Earth-honouring materials, we currently choose this specific liner for several critical reasons:
Integrity of the Medicine: It provides an airtight barrier that prevents oxidation and blocks external odours, ensuring the delicate 'Fino de Aroma' and the bioactive compounds remain potent and pure from the forest to the cup.
Purity & Non-Migration: Unlike many lower-quality plastics or treated papers, this material is stable; it does not leach into or contaminate the cacao, maintaining its vibrational and chemical purity.
Local Economic Support: Our packaging is manufactured locally in Ecuador rather than imported from China. This significantly reduces our transport carbon footprint and keeps the economic value within the cacao's country of origin.
End-of-Life Responsibility: In many regions, this material is widely recyclable. However, we actively encourage our community to upcycle our beautiful bags—transforming them into ritual pouches or artistic keepsakes—extending the life of the material through creative reuse.”
Third-Party Audited
“While we follow strictly organic and regenerative practices, we are not currently 'Certified Organic' or 'Fair Trade' due to the prohibitive costs of these third-party audits for small-scale, ancestral farmers. Instead, we operate on a model of Direct Trade and Radical Transparency:
Direct Verification: Dia personally visits the partner farms as often as possible to audit the land, the labor conditions, and the ecology.
Chemical-Free by Tradition: Our farmers utilise ancestral 'Chakra' methods that have never relied on synthetic pesticides or fertilizers; their land remains 'Organic by Heritage.'
Beyond Fair Trade: Rather than paying for a logo, we redirect that money into the communities, often paying significantly above the standard Fair Trade premiums.
Trust-Based Medicine: We prioritize the 'Ceremonial Integrity' of the bean, which is verified by the master facilitators and healers who have trusted CacaoAmor for years.”
— CacaoAmor
What an honour to connect with Dia and build a partnership that allows CacaoAmor to now be available in Canada. My prayer is that you feel the love in every single sip.
With love,
Nicole
About the Founder ~ Nicole
Over the years Nicole has learned to love, appreciate, and value herself in ways she never thought were possible. Throughout her healing journey she found the strength to battle through many obstacles, each leading her to create a healthier relationship with her body, mind, heart and soul. Over the last few years her practices have evolved and deepened tremendously by integrating mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, plant medicines, healing ceremonies and by incorporating sacred Cacao into her rituals. Including enriching modalities into her life, have allowed her to move way beyond the physical aspects of her practices and connect more deeply to her true essence. Nicole has subsequently developed a richer relationship with her soul, Great Spirit & Mother Nature. Nicole truly lives her passion. She uses her personal journey to inspire others to discover their own truth. She loves to hold space for others to drop IN - to shift - to dive deeper - to expand - to wake up their true self and discover their innate essence. She loves to inspire others to “Honour Your Goldprint.”
Honouring your Goldprint signifies standing fully in your true essence. Nicole believes we all have a unique tapestry, a beautiful Goldprint, that we are all meant to discover. No two humans are created the same. Our uniqueness is our gift to this world. She believes that the more time that we spend connecting to our own heart, the more we can get to know our unique truth.
Nicole feels that as humans we tend to live our lives in accordance with what others expect of us. We are all continuously inundated by societies ideals, expectations, and visions of success. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to live a life aligned with our own heart. She feels that choosing the path of surrender is truly about deciding to unravel all that we are not and align ourselves fully with all that we truly are.
Cacao called upon her years ago and since that call she has been working with it daily. She has worked with different cacaos from around the world and she is constantly in amazement of the beauty each one gifts her. She has studied with Maestra Jemmita, Maestro Puma and Maestro Alfredo to gain insight into shamanic practices and understand Andean cosmovision, specifically the 7 rays. Nicole presently offers cacao ceremonies, 1:1 mentorship, group healing journeys, retreats, and private ceremonies within her community.
