Juan “The Godfather” Echevarría discovered a unique type of cacao on his parents' farm in Puerto Rico, characterized by giant pods with a vibrant mix of red and yellow. This discovery ignited his passion for sharing this special cacao with the world. To develop the best trees for the island, Juan collaborated with the Tropical Agroforestry Research Station in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, aiming to create trees that were disease-resistant and could withstand even the strongest hurricanes.
By 2015, Juan began developing chocolate products from his unique cacao beans, working alongside Master Chocolatier Francis Murchison. Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017, Juan remained dedicated to supporting local farmers as they rebuilt their lives and farms. He helped establish sustainable prices for Puerto Rican cacao, ensuring the livelihood of local farmers.
In 2021, Jean Marie Chocolat opened its first production facility as the supply of Puerto Rican cacao increased. Now, as Juan prepares for the future, he is ready to launch CACAO.PR to bring Puerto Rican cacao to the world.