Meet Emily Meza-Wilson | Owner of Mindo Chocolate in Ecuador

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Meza-Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
The prevalent business mantra of cutting costs to boost margins is one I respectfully challenge, particularly within the cocoa industry. There’s a tendency to equate the lowest investment with the highest efficiency, but this overlooks the human cost in the supply chain. In our practice, we’re moving away from this approach by prioritizing the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. It is an untenable model to perpetuate minimal payment for their labor; such practices threaten the sustainability of the very industry upon which we rely.

Our commitment extends beyond fair wages; we’re investing in biodegradable packaging, despite the premium. This decision is grounded in our experiment’s findings that consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally responsible products. This is an educational opportunity as much as it is a business one. It is imperative to recalibrate consumer expectations around chocolate pricing to reflect the true cost of ethical and sustainable production. This shift doesn’t simply ensure fair wages but also advocates for a business ecosystem that values long-term viability and ethical responsibility over fleeting profit margins.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our business is a symphony of sustainable agriculture, ethical practices, and an unwavering commitment to quality. At its heart, our business is not just about producing chocolate; it’s about embodying a philosophy that respects both people and the planet.

What sets us apart is our dedication to the ‘bean-to-bar’ process, deeply rooted in ethical sourcing from Ecuador, where we support local farmers by ensuring they receive fair wages and work under fair conditions. We champion the Nacional cocoa variety, indigenous to Ecuador, not only for its exquisite flavor profile but also for its role in reforestation and biodiversity conservation.

Our journey hasn’t been easy. The challenges ranged from educating consumers about the true cost of ethical chocolate to the logistics of sustainable sourcing. We’ve persisted through a commitment to our vision and an unshakable belief in the value of our work.

I want the world to recognize our brand as more than a chocolate producer. We are a movement that celebrates and preserves the richness of nature, honors the hard work of our farmers, and delivers a product that represents the best of ethical business practices. Our story is a call to action for the industry at large to reevaluate its priorities and for consumers to make choices that have a positive impact on the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a visit that captures the essence of Ann Arbor’s vibrancy, here’s a snapshot itinerary:

– Stroll through the Ann Arbor Farmers Market to sample local produce and artisanal crafts.

– Breakfast at Café Zola where the crepes are a must-try.

– Nichols Arboretum: Spend the morning wandering through ‘The Arb,’ where the trails and peony garden offer a tranquil retreat.

– Lunch at Frita Batidos for Cuban-inspired street food.

– Coffee at Hyperion Coffee Co., perfect for a pick-me-up and a chance to savor local roasts.

– Explore Ann Arbor’s nightlife, perhaps with live music at The Ark or The Blind Pig.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Recognition is due to Pedro and Marianella, exemplary figures from Puerto Quito, Ecuador. Not only are they dedicated cocoa farmers, but they are also proprietors of a chocolate factory named Chicao. In an industry fraught with challenges, their relentless commitment to cultivating, harvesting, fermenting, and drying cocoa beans stands as a testament to their dedication to quality.

Their unwavering efforts have contributed significantly to elevating the standards within the cocoa industry, and their methodology provides a blueprint for sustainability and ethical production.

Website: mindochocolate.com

Instagram: mindo_chocolate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindochocolatemaker