The Entre Nubes cacao is produced by FEDECOVERA, a federation of cooperatives in northern Guatemala. Founded in 1976, FEDECOVERA comprises 42 primary cooperatives formed by small-scale producers, creating a distinctive business model centered on social, economic, environmental, and inclusive sustainability. "Entre Nubes," meaning "Between Clouds," reflects the lush mountainous region of Cobán in Alta Verapaz. Recognizing the promise of Guatemalan cacao, particularly from this area, FEDECOVERA conducted a five-year effort to assess plantations, select superior materials, and engage small farmers in improved agricultural practices, including organic certification. Producers joined Alianza Cooperative R.L., organizing cultivation under environmentally responsible methods. With ongoing technical support, access to organic inputs, credit, health services, and training provided by FEDECOVERA, the supply chain has enhanced value, fairness, quality control, and full traceability for smallholders.
The cacao trees thrive in tropical regions within a temperature range of 10°C to 20°C, located north and south of the equator. The cacao bean is the dried, fully fermented fatty seed of the cacao tree fruit. This cacao is cultivated in Alta Verapaz, spanning 267 hectares of land, with 27 hectares dedicated specifically to cacao trees. The ownership structure operates on two levels: individual farmers hold voting rights within their cooperatives, and each cooperative holds a vote in FEDECOVERA. This network includes 33,000 family producers organized across 43 cooperatives and more than 120 associations.