Around 200 years ago, Swiss emigrants settled on the peninsula Samanà, in the Dominican Republic. They founded the plantation “Hacienda Elvesia” and began cultivating Criollo and Trinitario cacao. Soon the aromatic fruits became a much soughtafter raw material for well known European Chocolatiers. In order to facilitate the transport of the heavy bags, Swiss pioneers built a railway - from the plantation to the port of Cano Hondo. The plantation is based on the principle of sustainable agriculture in harmony with nature. The hacienda is administered by Ramon Lopez (cultivation) and Marco Lee (fermentation and quality control). certified by the independent control body for organic products BCS and by RAC (Rainforest Alliance Certified)