Ep 81. Veronica Peralta - The Sweet Taste of Ethics
In this inspiring episode, Erik Wolf sits down with Veronica Peralta of Paccari Chocolate — the Ecuadorian brand that redefined how ethical, organic, and biodynamic chocolate can uplift entire farming communities. Veronica shares how her brother Santiago transformed Ecuador’s cacao industry by empowering small farmers, protecting biodiversity, and restoring national pride in fine-flavor cacao. The conversation explores the distinct regional flavors of Ecuadorian chocolate, the social and environmental mission behind Paccari, and how climate change is reshaping the global cacao market. Veronica also discusses Paccari’s recognition as the world’s most ethical chocolate brand, and why conscious consumer choices can create real change.
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Show Notes
1:00 – The Origins of Paccari
03:00 – Empowering Farmers
07:00 – Saving Biodiversity
08:00 – Distinct Flavors of Place
14:00 – Chocolate as Happiness
17:00 – The Raw Bar Revolution
18:00 – Beyond Business: A Social Mission
20:00 – Toward a Chocolate Map of Ecuador
23:00 – Economic Challenges and Climate Change
27:00 – Environmental Threats at Home
31:00 – Ethics and Consumer Power
33:00 – Recognition as the World’s Most Ethical Chocolate
35:00 – Industry Corruption and Hope for Change
39:00 – Knowledge Is Power
Learn more about Paccari chocolate.
Read the Ethical Consumer Magazine article (pages 10-17) about Paccari.
NB: Paccari is the new spelling of the brand's name. Formerly, it was written as Pacari, which is a Quechua word meaning "nature" or "something that comes from the Earth".
The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.