In a strategic move aimed at establishing itself as a key player in the Monte Plata Region, Bayacao celebrates a significant milestone following the acquisition of the processing facility at Cruce de Pajon. The Bayacao team initiated the purchase of crops from new associated smallholders and cocoa aggregators in the Yamasa and Esperavillo areas, intensifying the competition for quality crops among existing players.
Operating in an environment marked by a 75% surge in cocoa commodity prices over the last seven months, Bayacao faced challenges due to the region’s 70-year drought, resulting in exceptionally low production levels. Despite these difficulties, the company successfully consolidated a substantial market share and created a sizable inventory ready for sale.
The factory team, growing from 3 members at the time of acquisition to 25, invested in four trucks and three pickups to transport fresh cocoa beans. Additionally, Bayacao constructed 51 fermentation boxes with plans to expand to 134 by the end of March. Achieving their first sale of a container load of dry cocoa beans on February 1st, these 100% Grano de Monte Plata «Sanchez» and «Hispaniola» beans were sold to the local market, marking Bayacao’s official entry onto the cocoa transformers and sellers map.
The Bayacao team aims to absorb the equivalent of one container’s worth of Hispaniola and another of Sanchez per week during the upcoming peak season in April-May.
As part of its commitment to sustainable practices, Bayacao is actively organizing its suppliers into a grower association to procure organically certified crops, opening new commercial channels for the company. Simultaneously, the entire company, including the farm, is preparing for ISO9001 certification, which will serve as a foundation for further compliance with standards such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade.
The Bayacao team’s dedication and hard work are evident in the exceptional quality of these beans, showcasing our unwavering commitment to excellence in the cocoa industry.