The Past, Present, and Future of Women of Cacao

In this episode, host David Nilsen talks with Ava J Holmes and Fiorella Richter, the founders of Women of Cacao, a global, bilingual network uniting professionals across sectors within cacao and craft chocolate: from genetics and farming to chocolate making and science. The work of Women of Cacao culminates each year in the Women of Cacao Summit, a hybrid virtual and in-person global gathering. At the summit, you can  be part of a movement connecting thousands across the cacao world in a shared, values-driven experience. The founders and organizers see the summit as an invitation to see the industry through a wider lens, and to help shape what’s next. This year's summit takes place September 17-20.In our conversation today, Ava and Fiorella speak to the rich history of women in cacao and chocolate, their own journeys to craft chocolate, and what folks can expect at this year’s summit.You can learn more about Women of Cacao at their website, or on Instagram.Guests:Fiorella Richter Fiorella is the founder of Women of Cacao and Kaukawa Cacao, a Peru-based company working with native cacao varieties and origin-centered cacao experiences. Her work bridges cacao culture, sensory exploration, producer visibility, and regenerative approaches to cacao value chains. She is also a graduate of the Cacao of Excellence sensory evaluation program. Her approach explores how sensory evaluation and scientific tools can support greater visibility, recognition, and value creation for producers and origin countries.Ava J HolmesAva J. is a serial entrepreneur whose work blends on-the-ground activism, storytelling through creative mediums such as fashion and chocolate, and out-of-the-box social ventureship. Her work has been featured across major media outlets from The NY Times and Vogue to Discovery Channel and TED Talks.Ava co-founded Women of Cacao and Cacao Center, an educational center and research hub in the lower Amazon that explores wild cacao strains, medicinal plants, and regenerative agroforestry. Her team collaborates with local farmers, scientists, and conservationists to produce the region’s first organic, ecologically-grown chocolate. Check out David's book Pairing Beer & Chocolate: A Guide to Bringing the Flavors of Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate Together.Follow Bean to Barstool on social media!InstagramFacebookPinterestSign up for host David Nilsen's beer newsletter for regular beer musings, and the Bean to Barstool newsletter for pairings, collaborations, and maker profiles.