Today, we went on Sibö Chocolate Tour. We learned about the history of chocolate from how it originated with the Native Americans in Central America to how it got Europeanized into the modern product we know and love. Initially, chocolate was a bitter drink, or used as a savory sauce. It traveled to Spain as medicine, and after a lucky accident, became a sweet treat. We also discussed the chocolate production process. Chocolate starts as a cacao fruit. We got to try sucking on the fruit, but it was pretty sour. After being harvested as a fruit, it is fermented and then dried under the sun. Then it is ground and mixed with sugar and other ingredients to create a bar.

Sibö was created as a sustainable chocolate company. Cacao plants grow in shade and are good for the environment, where other crops are not. Similar to coffee, Costa Rican chocolate must be very high quality to be profitable. Sibö pays its farmers well, by eliminating the intermediaries. They also higher local immigrants, as they are passionate about the work. Their packaging is not traditional, but is made from cacao husks to eliminate waste on both ends. Sibö is environmentally and socially sustainable, but recently has been struggling with economic sustainability. Global warming is making it difficult for farmers to continue producing cacao, due to changing environmental factors. Because of this, farmers expect a higher pay for their fruit, but this would cause chocolate prices to increase, lowering demand, or force Sibö to take a lower profit without increasing prices.

After the tour, we went to the Riverside Restaurant. Riverside also prioritizes sustainability, producing 80% of the energy they use and grows many of its own ingredients. The ingredients that it does not grow are purchased from small, local businesses. Additionally, the restaurant promotes local musicians and artists with performances and galleries. They also make all of their furniture in an on site sawmill. Doka, Sibö, and Riverside are all notable for their commitment to sustainability, and this type of mindset is necessary for future success.