Pacha de Cacao, Ecuador

Marika van Santvoort’s journey begins in the Netherlands, where she was raised with a curiosity for the world and its cultures.

In 2014, Marika returned to Amsterdam, after having lived in Cameroon for three years where she was introduced to cacao first. Amsterdam is the world’s leading hub for the trade of beans and she founded a consultancy agency focused on sustainability within the cacao industry, but her vision extended far beyond traditional business.

Driven by a belief that cacao has so much untapped potential, Marika co-founded Gaia Cacao, a venture dedicated to bringing higher-quality beans to market and supporting farmer groups with better market access Yet, her passion for cacao continued to grow and led her to look into the normally wasted part of the cacao fruit - a whopping 70 to 80%!

Pacha de Cacao, which means "a world of cacao" and is derived from the word Pachamama, is more than just a brand—it’s a mission to show that what once was seen as waste, can become wealth. The name itself reflects the global ambition and deep commitment to sustainability that was woven into the fabric of the company.

With headquarters in Amsterdam and a recent expansion to Austin, Texas, Marika now leads Pacha as a thriving start-up in the US, which has a bigger market and is closer to the source of origin: Ecuador. She works with a small but dedicated team carving out a new market for cacao fruit juice, turning a bold vision into reality.

Marika’s journey is far from over. With each step, she redefines what’s possible in the world of cacao, driven by a belief that there is always more to discover and create, and much more to share!