Cacao in Ecuador: a sustainable model of social and solidarity-based economy

The project, organized through the "Maquita Cushunchic Comercializando como Hermanos" Foundation (MCCH) (Maquita Cushunchic Marketing Like Siblings) is aimed at the improvement of cacao production and its processing by means of training in sustainable agricultural technologies, traceability, post-harvest, and regulations. 

Currently, Maquita Agro is undergoing a change from a foundation to become a company of the CAF Program "Companies of Exporting Excellence". In addition, two community tourism schools have been created, and a Plant for the Production of Semi-Elaborated Cacao Products has been fitted in the city of Guayaquil. 

Strategic allies include:

Stichting Interkerkelijke Organisatie Voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking - ICCO, Ministry of Industry and Productivity of Ecuador,  Inter-American Development Bank, IDB, Cooperatives of Small Producers in six provinces, grouped in Maquita Cushunchic Comercializando como Hermanos (Maquita Cushunchic Marketing Like Siblings), Town Council of Cordoba, and Government of Navarra, Spain.