Ceremonial Cacao | Arriba Nacional | Organic

Cacao Laboratory’s 100% ceremonial-grade cacao is crafted for any mood or moment. Sourced directly from smallholder farms in the pristine highlands of Manabí, Ecuador, this cacao comes from heirloom Arriba Nacional beans that have grown on the same land for over a century. Carefully fermented using traditional methods and gently toasted at low heat, the beans develop signature floral and tropical fruit notes while retaining their rich nutritional value. Now granulated for quick preparation and easy carrying, it’s perfect for daily rituals, cacao ceremonies, or as a coffee replacement.

Arriba Nacional is a rare heirloom variety, representing just 1% of Ecuador’s cacao production. Revered for its complex flavors and aromatic depth, it is increasingly replaced by GMO cacao varieties, which sacrifice flavor and nutrition for yield. Cacao Laboratory preserves what remains of the old-growth trees along the Portoviejo River in Manabí, keeping the legacy of this exceptional cacao alive.

Flavor Notes: Tropical fruits, floral
Best For: Daily rituals, cacao ceremonies, coffee replacement

Cacao Laboratory (Cacao Lab) is a social-good company that honors the tradition and integrity of ceremonial-grade cacao. Through proprietary blends, cacao ceremonies, and educational offerings, they aim to transform the way people consume cacao—cultivating respect for quality products and greater agency for their partners in the value chain. Founded by Argentine siblings Federico and Florencia Fridman, Cacao Lab combines Florencia’s health and wellness expertise with Federico’s background in finance and entrepreneurship to create a brand that experiments with new ways of doing business—a true laboratory for shared success. Guided by the pillars of respect, equity, and sustainability, they maintain deep cultural and community connections while building a global brand that honors food systems, cultural heritage, and interconnection.

Cacao Laboratory’s 100% ceremonial-grade cacao is crafted for any mood or moment. Sourced directly from smallholder farms in the pristine highlands of Manabí, Ecuador, this cacao comes from heirloom Arriba Nacional beans that have grown on the same land for over a century. Carefully fermented using traditional methods and gently toasted at low heat, the beans develop signature floral and tropical fruit notes while retaining their rich nutritional value. Now granulated for quick preparation and easy carrying, it’s perfect for daily rituals, cacao ceremonies, or as a coffee replacement.

Arriba Nacional is a rare heirloom variety, representing just 1% of Ecuador’s cacao production. Revered for its complex flavors and aromatic depth, it is increasingly replaced by GMO cacao varieties, which sacrifice flavor and nutrition for yield. Cacao Laboratory preserves what remains of the old-growth trees along the Portoviejo River in Manabí, keeping the legacy of this exceptional cacao alive.

Flavor Notes: Tropical fruits, floral
Best For: Daily rituals, cacao ceremonies, coffee replacement

Cacao Laboratory (Cacao Lab) is a social-good company that honors the tradition and integrity of ceremonial-grade cacao. Through proprietary blends, cacao ceremonies, and educational offerings, they aim to transform the way people consume cacao—cultivating respect for quality products and greater agency for their partners in the value chain. Founded by Argentine siblings Federico and Florencia Fridman, Cacao Lab combines Florencia’s health and wellness expertise with Federico’s background in finance and entrepreneurship to create a brand that experiments with new ways of doing business—a true laboratory for shared success. Guided by the pillars of respect, equity, and sustainability, they maintain deep cultural and community connections while building a global brand that honors food systems, cultural heritage, and interconnection.