Hummingbird Citrus | Valrhona Chocolate

Belize

Yamwits Valley, Cayo
17°7’55.5”N
88°38’31.2”W

Cocoa growing in Belize

Located just south of the Yucatán Peninsula in Central America, Belize is the heart of Mayan civilization. During the Classic Era (6th to 10th millennia), it was home to between 400,000 and one million people. They belong to the pre-Columbian civilizations that domesticated the famous Criollo cocoa with its white beans, used as currency.

The Mopan and Q'eqchi' Maya still grow cocoa in the southern Maya Mountains. This chain of little karst mountains covers the southern half of Belize. Bordered by the Mesoamerican Reef, one of the world's largest barrier reefs, the primary rainforest of the Maya Mountains is a haven of biodiversity. In the heart of this warm and moist tropical forest, numerous Mayan ruins and artifacts have been discovered, particularly in the Xibun River Estate area.

Our partnership with Hummingbird Citrus

Hummingbird Citrus is a Belizean citrus, coconut and cocoa farm. Since 2014, we have been working together to rehabilitate the abandoned Xibun River Estate plantation. Founded in the 1970s, the plantation took its name from the Xibun River that runs alongside its border.

In 2020, Hummingbird Citrus will join Silk Grass Farms, the first B-Corp certified company in Belize. All of its post-tax profits fund the non-profit organization Silk Grass Wildlife Preserve, which manages a private protected natural area with almost 10,000 hectares of primary rainforest in the Maya Mountains. Founded by Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup, the Silk Grass Wildlife Preserve has created an ecological corridor by connecting three other protected areas: Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, Sittee River Forest Preserve and Bocawina Mayflower National Park.

The social and environmental ambitions and high-quality produce of Hummingbird Citrus make it a natural partner for Valrhona.

18 RENOVATED HOMES

By joining Silk Grass Farms, Hummingbird Citrus takes its ambitions to the next level: a 5-year infrastructure restoration plan is in place to provide excellent quality accommodation for the families of the 46 employees. In this project—in which Valrhona is a partner—18 homes will be renovated, including access to drinking water and electricity while complying with anti-hurricane standards.

2014 Partnership signature

Renewed in 2021 for 10 years

Exclusive on cocoa

Xibun River Estate since 2014

46 employees

in the plantation

Our social and environmental actions together

Since 2014

Restoration of Xibun River Estate:

Restoration of access roads, drainage channels, pruning of old cocoa trees and shade trees, planting of new cocoa trees, planting coconut trees on an intercropping basis.

Hurricane Earl struck Xibun River Estate in 2016, and much of the refurbishment work had to be restarted.

Installation and maintenance of cocoa preparation infrastructure and equipment: fermentation tanks, solar drying beds and storage warehouse.

From 2016 to 2020

Rebuilding XRE employee housing following Hurricane Earl: replacing broken roofs, reconstruction of the communal kitchen, providing access to drinking water and electricity.

In 2021

A 5-year plan is in place for the thorough rehabilitation of the homes of the 46 plantation employees and their families. In total, 18 housing units will be fully renovated with access to drinking water and electricity, kitchen and sanitary facilities; all up to anti-hurricane standards.

Xibun River Estate has not used any chemical pesticides or herbicides since its refurbishment, the plantation has been covered with grass.

The impact

80 people

will be housed in refurbished housing, including the 46 plantation employees and their families

180ha restored

80ha replanted

with cocoa

Find Hummingbird Citrus cocoa in

Fruity

Single Origin

Tulakalum 75%

Tulakalum 75%, pure Single Origin Belize. Tart, bitter & ripe fruit.

Fruity

For Tasting

Pure Origin Bar Tulakalum 75%

Tulakalum’s nutty intensity and powerful cocoa nibs dreamily encapsulate the gorgeous biodiversity of Belize, an endlessly colorful country with rich culture and history