As plant scientists, we have spent our careers studying Theobroma cacao, the Chocolate Tree, exploring its genome to understand the genes that shape its growth, development, disease resistance, and the qualities of its seeds. Our work has taken us around the world, connecting us not only with fellow researchers but, more importantly, with the farmers who cultivate cacao in each region. 

Over the years, through countless visits and conversations, we came to understand the realities of cacao farming: the demanding labor, the long- term commitment required to bring trees into production, and the many challenges farmers face. These include persistent pests and diseases, volatile markets that often fail to provide fair prices, and the mounting pressures of climate change. Although each country has its own unique context, one truth was universal, cacao farming is extremely hard work, carried out by people who often earn very little in return. 

We formed deep friendships with many of these farmers and learned about their families, histories, and cultures. Gradually, the idea of The Spirit of Chocolate emerged, a desire to honor the people behind cacao and to help share their voices with a wider audience. Over the next five years, that idea evolved into the project you see here today. 

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Our message to you is simple, but important: Cacao farmers work long hours in difficult conditions, often for low incomes, to bring the world chocolate, the Food of the Gods. We hope you will take a moment to learn where cacao truly comes from and to appreciate the people who dedicate their lives to growing it. Whenever possible, we encourage you to support ethically produced chocolate, whether from companies that invest in farmers and share profits fairly, or from cacao communities that produce their own chocolate “farm to bar.” Paying a little more for high- quality, ethically sourced chocolate is not only a vote for exceptional flavor and your own health, it is a way to honor the farmers whose hands make chocolate possible. 

And when you taste chocolate, we invite you to think of those farmers, their stories, and The Spirit of Chocolate that connects us all. 

The Spirit of Chocolate Team 

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