Leila Carvajal of Cocoa Supply
Leila Carvajal’s family has worked with cacao for generations, stretching back to the 19th century, but every generation has reinterpreted their relationship with this fruit tree that gives us chocolate. Growing up in Ecuador, Leila remembers visiting the cacao farms that provided beans for Cocoa Supply, her family’s company. Leila eventually became a chemical engineer and now lives in the U.S., and has guided Cocoa Supply into its current position as a leading provider of cacao for bean to bar makers and, notably, craft breweries.
Listen in as Leila introduces us to Cocoa Supply. We talk about their business and sourcing practices, the farms they work with, and the products they offer. First though, she tells us the story of her family’s company, a story that begins on a small cacao farm in the 1800s.
Chocolate makers mentioned in this episode include Pacari and Hoja Verde. Breweries mentioned in this episode include DuClaw and Cervecería Nacional.
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The music for Bean to Barstool is by indie folk musician Anna ps. You can find out more about Anna’s music in the show notes or at her website annapsmusic.com, where you can also get in touch to book her to play at your brewery or other establishment.
Guests:
Leila Carvajal Erker, a member of a long-standing cocoa family in Ecuador since the 1880s, is the founder and CEO of CocoaSupply, a company distributing cocoa and specialty ingredients globally. With a chemical engineering background, she understands cocoa processing and develops applications for cocoa derivatives and other fruit products. Leila also serves as the President of Chocolatier S.A., a manufacturing plant focused on customizable batch cocoa processing. She promotes education through the CocoaSupply Scholarship fund and advocates for ethical and transparent sourcing in the craft industry, aiming to improve quality and sustainability.