Cocoa producers from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Panama, supported by the BBVA Microfinance Foundation (BBVAMF), shared how their small businesses have positively impacted their communities both economically and socially.
- Cocoa producers from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Panama, supported by the BBVA Microfinance Foundation (BBVAMF), shared how their small businesses have positively impacted their communities both economically and socially. Cocoa production in these countries directly employs over 200,000 people.
- At the event “Semillas para un futuro sostenible” (Seeds for a Sustainable Future), presided over by Her Majesty The Queen, BBVA Chairman Carlos Torres Vila remarked, “What inspires us most is their perseverance. They are an example to us all of sacrifice, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges.”
- Jordi Roca, co-owner of the acclaimed restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, also participated, announcing plans to visit a Panamanian entrepreneur supported by BBVAMF, with the possibility of sourcing cocoa from his farm.
- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), like those led by these entrepreneurs, are vital pillars of the global economy. They represent 90% of all businesses, generate 70% of global employment, and contribute 50% of GDP, according to the United Nations.
The BBVA Microfinance Foundation hosted the event “Semillas para un futuro sostenible” (Seeds for a Sustainable Future) where cocoa producers were the main focus. Chocolate, Spain’s favorite sweet—with an average annual consumption of over five kilograms per person—plays a significant role in driving economic and social development across Latin America.
H.M. The Queen has presided over the event “Semillas para un futuro sostenible” (Seeds for a Sustainable Future)
The Queen underscored the Foundation’s support for small entrepreneurs in the region: “Three million vulnerable individuals are progressing, gaining access to education, and ensuring their children have the opportunity to study, thanks to microloans from the BBVA Microfinance Foundation. Let’s not forget that, according to the United Nations, MSMEs generate 70% of global employment.” Her remarks highlighted the inspiring stories behind this ancient crop. Producers such as Marlon, Constantino, and Ana—from Colombia, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, respectively—shared their experiences during a panel discussion.
Cocoa: A Seed of Transformation
Cocoa production in these countries directly employs over 200,000 people, empowers women, and provides educational opportunities for families in cocoa-growing communities. “My mother always said chocolate was more than just a sweet treat—it was an opportunity,” shared Marlon Ferreira, the 29-year-old founder of Maluwa Chocolate Company. His internationally recognized business sells chocolate bars in Colombia and the United States. Marlon’s success is built on sourcing cocoa from Colombian farmers, many of whom have transitioned from cultivating coca leaves to growing what they call the “fruit of peace.” This shift has strengthened local economies and is helping build a more stable future for the country.
In Panama, cocoa is “more than a crop; it’s a way of life passed down through generations,” explained Constantino Blandford, a member of the Ngäbe Buglé ethnic group. Using ancestral techniques, his community produces organic cocoa, contributing to biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.
Ana Rodríguez, a Dominican entrepreneur, leads Las Productivas, a cooperative born in the aftermath of Hurricane George in 1998. “We came together to survive, but over the years, we realized we could achieve much more,” she shared. Today, the cooperative produces cocoa-based chocolates and jams while actively engaging young women in the industry. Their products are sold in local stores, supermarkets, and fine-dining establishments, such as those of Chef Tita. The Dominican Republic leads the world in organic cocoa production, accounting for 60% of global exports, according to the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
MSMEs: Pillars of Development
Micro, small, and medium enterprises are the backbone of the global economy. Representing 90% of businesses, they generate 70% of global employment and contribute 50% of GDP, according to the United Nations. In Latin America, where MSMEs make up 99% of businesses, their role is critical in combating poverty and inequality.
Javier M. Flores, CEO of BBVAMF, emphasized the transformative power of small entrepreneurs: “They are seeds of economic and social change. When small businesses thrive, their communities flourish, and society as a whole benefits.”
Despite their contributions, these entrepreneurs face significant challenges, including limited access to financing, the digital divide, and the need to adapt to climate change. BBVA Chairman Carlos Torres Vila highlighted how the Foundation supports them in addressing these obstacles: “We are inspired by their determination, resilience, and example of strength and perseverance,” he said.
The event concluded with remarks from Catalan pastry chef Jordi Roca, co-owner of El Celler de Can Roca. Having previously visited BBVAMF-supported cocoa producers, he announced plans to return, specifically to Constantino’s plantation, to explore using his cocoa at Casa Cacao. “Cocoa isn’t just about its extraordinary flavor; it’s a living story that connects entire communities to the world,” Roca said.
L-R first row, Jordi Roca, co-owner of Celler de Can Roca; Luis Planas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; H. M. The Queen; Carlos Torres Vila, BBVA Chair; Javier M. Flores, FMBBVA CEO. Second row, L-R: Paz Álvarez, event moderator and El País journalist; Marlon Ferreira, Colombian chocolatier; Ana Rodríguez, Dominican cocoa producer and artisan; and Constantino Blandford, Panamanian cocoa producer.
