Today, we got to try some true Costa Rican chocolate while also learning about the history of chocolate and how it eventually made its way to Costa Rica. Chocolate first originated in Central America, but was only ingested as a drink. Spain brought the first chocolate to Europe from Central America, this was the first stimulating drink to hit Europe. Coffee and tea weren’t discovered until decades later. Chocolate was only consumed as a drink for hundreds of years until Lindt accidentally figured out how to make chocolate taste good by itself. This then evolved into chocolate becoming a staple as a gift and a symbol of affection around the world. In Costa Rica, chocolate has deep historical roots tracing back to the indigenous peoples. They used it in rituals and even as currency. The cacao tree thrives in Costa Rica’s tropical climate, making it an ideal location for cultivating high-quality beans.

Unlike coffee, cacao trees grow in the lowlands, allowing both plants to thrive and not having any competition with each other. Chocolate is also threatened by climate change, making sustainable practices like those adopted by Sibö essential to reversing the trend. Sibö is also able to compete with other bigger companies such as Cafe Britt by telling their story and their push towards sustainability. When competing with larger brands, it is important to connect with consumers on a personal level and get people to understand the value behind the product. By offering in-depth tours, sourcing ingredients locally, and maintaining environmentally friendly practices, Sibö creates a meaningful connection between the producer and the consumer. This emotional and educational engagement is something large corporations often can’t replicate.