Our cacaos

Most of the cacao we source comes from smallholder farmers, committed to preserving indigenous cacao varieties and experimenting with different processes to explore flavour diversity. Working in harmony with nature and respect for people and the environment is one of our shared values. Some cacaos are organic, some have won prizes and some were processed exclusively for Silva.

Quality process

Each cacao bean we select undergoes different and rigorous quality checks. We use all our senses to grade and evaluate the unique flavour profiles, based on the international protocol for fine cacao, established by the FCCI and ISCQF. In our laboratory we develop different cacao liquors and chocolates to experiment and test the flavour potential of the beans.

Physical characteristics and humidity levels are controlled before shipment and upon arrival. Additionally, we control heavy metals, residues and microbial testing.

Our categories

At Silva, we stand for cacao with unique and consistent flavour profiles. Our cacao is traceable and produced with respect for farmers and forests. Based on the sensorial complexity, traceability, production size and physical quality assessment, we provide you with the following 4 different product categories.

Looking for a cacao that isn’t listed on our site? Reach out to our team for customized support and tailored solutions.

Plantation cacao

Exceptional cacao with a unique sensory experience from 1 single farm, and a careful physical selection.

Special selection

Exceptional cacao with a unique sensory experience from a group of farmers, traceable up to farm level, and a careful physical selection.

Regional cacao

A signature cacao with a consistent flavour profile, traceable up to regional level.

Cacao products

Natural and deodorized cacao butter, cacao powder, cacao nibs and cacao mass.

Team

We are a passionate team providing unique cacao qualities and tailored solutions. To us, this is the basis of a genuine and strong partnership together. Strong partnerships do not exist without mutual respect and trust. Our partner farmers respect and trust us for creating stability and thinking long term and our customers trust our quality selections.

To build meaningful chocolate partnerships together, we first need to get to know each other. Tell us who you are, what you are looking for and we will start from there. 

Reach out to our cacao experts:

Katrien Delaet

CHIEF CACAOPRENEUR

Katrien is a cacao and chocolate lover, and the driving force behind Silva. She holds a master degree in bio-science engineering and economics, and has over 15 years of experience in coffee & cacao sourcing, logistics, quality & sustainability. Building meaningful partnerships and making sure that our society & environment evolve in a sustainable way is what makes her truly enthusiastic. It’s Katrien’s quest to put a smile on the faces of farmers, chocolatemakers, & consumers.

Jan Vermeulen

CHOCOLATE PARTNERSHIPS

Jan is a trained wine lover and knows his way around international cuisine. He is curious, enthusiastic and eager to unleash his taste buds and taste skills on cacao. Building relationships in a positive and inspiring way has always been paramount to Jan. With Silva, he can now also generate a positive impact on society; Jan is looking forward to making the (cacao)world a better, tastier and more fun place.

Coralie Gauthier

CHOCOLATE PARTNERSHIPS

Coralie previously worked as export sales manager and international trade consultant in the F&B industry. Coralie has a natural cross-cultural mindset, which can be attributed to her previous education and work experiences in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Passionate about craft chocolate and an advocate of forest conservation and well-being of cacao producers, teaming up with Silva is obvious and proof of this.

Ricardo Ulrix

CHOCOLATE PARTNERSHIPS

Ricardo is a certified wine, tea & coffee taster, and a seasoned connoisseur of cacao & chocolate. His studies in agricultural engineering, and professional background as consultant & broker in international trade of tropical soft commodities are the perfect combo to support you in smart cacao choices. Ricardo lives in Spain and becomes truly enthusiastic when he can combine his passion for food, tasting & market intelligence!