Several thousand years ago, the Olmecs, an ancient pre-Columbian people, lived in the tropical mid-latitudes of the Americas. Here, a plant called cacao grew in the thick green of the rainforest, where jungle primates swung from the trees.

One day, an Olmec noticed the monkeys snacking on the large, oblong pods of the cacao trees. Ingenuity led the person to ferment and roast the seeds, developing their flavor. The roasted seeds could be ground to make a hot, bitter liquid called xocolatl.

The Olmecs knew they were onto something great and began growing cacao as a crop. The Aztecs and Mayan civilizations carried on the tradition of drinking xocolatl, which was widely believed to enhance mental and sexual abilities.

The seed is the source of the delight we know today as chocolate.

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The tale continues when the Spanish arrived in the New World. Cortes began exporting cocoa beans from the New World in 1528, and they became the fancy of the Spanish court. Spain so loved the stuff that they kept it to themselves for 100 years.

Then a dashingly handsome Italian named Antonio Carletti mysteriously came into possession of the coveted drink. The secret was out, and Europe was hooked.

The industrial revolution spurred a great many technical advances. A clever Dutchman named Hendrick Van Houten made his mark on the chocolate industry. He refined the grinding process and began making a tempered version of chocolate, giving us the smooth, crisp finish we know today.

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The Nahualli Trading Co. commits to express the beauty, vitality and the cultural significance of chocolate. Our objective is accomplished by engaging in sustainable fair business practices, encourage career development, increasing profits and community growth, and making pleasing and exotic chocolate.

The Nahualli Trading Co. acknowledges the importance of our employees, customers, suppliers, and environment. We promise to treat all individuals in the chain of our business fairly and with respect. Honesty will be our stance. When appropriate and possible, the Nahualli Trading Co. will certify our fair business practices through full disclosure and access to information or other methods of communication.

We accept that our business has a responsibility to offset or reduce to a zero carbon emissions. Click here for more information of our offset emissions.

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