(Quito, Ecuador) -- Long known for producing some of the world’s finest cocoa beans, Ecuador’s newest export created for American chocolate lovers is Aequare Fine Chocolates (http://www.aequarechocolates.com)
Founded by native Californian, classically trained chef and now Ecuadorian resident, Jeff Stern, Aequare creates origin-specific chocolate confections made from ingredients and raw materials sourced virtually entirely within Ecuador, from raw ingredients all the way to packaging. The only exceptions are ingredients such as vanilla beans, which are not commercially grown or produced in Ecuador. This distinction of “origin chocolate confections”
“Living and working in Ecuador makes it easy for me to access the local ingredients and develop personal relationships with many of our suppliers, giving me invaluable, first-hand experience with their growing and manufacturing processes,” said Stern. “I call this process ‘direct trade,’ enabling me to make regular visits to cacao farm in the Los Rios province, for example." Integral to Aequare’s mission is the way in which it supports Ecuadorian companies, demonstrating ethical sourcing practices that keep as much of the added value in the local Ecuadorian economy.
Aequare specializes in producing classic French-style bonbons, beautifully decorated and finished using colored transfers and textures. Aequare also produces plain and flavored chocolate bars, and only uses pure, natural flavors without any artificial flavorings or preservatives.
Samples are available to food editors and bloggers upon request.
http://www.aequarechocolates.com
Watch a video of Jeff’s chocolate production: http://www.youtube.com/
Jeff’s blog: http://destination-
