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  • Cacao Chocolate: What Makes True Artisan Chocolate Special?

    Cacao Chocolate: What Makes True Artisan Chocolate Special?

    When we talk about cacao chocolate, we are talking about much more than just something sweet. We are talking about origin, aroma, texture, patience, and a different way of experiencing chocolate. True artisan chocolate begins with respect for cacao and for everything that happens before a chocolate bar reaches your hands

    At CORA, chocolate starts long before the first bite. It begins in the land, with Ecuadorian fine aroma cacao and with the decision to create an experience that combines flavor, identity, and purpose.

    What Does “Cacao Chocolate” Really Mean?

    Although we often use the word “chocolate” to describe any product with a cacao flavor, not all chocolate offers the same quality or tells the same story.

    Cacao chocolate stands out because it places cacao at the center of the experience. This means the flavor does not rely only on sugar, milk, or artificial flavorings, but on the quality of the cacao bean, its origin, its process, and the way it is transformed into chocolate.

    In the case of fine aroma cacao, its value comes from its sensory profile. Depending on the region where it is grown and the care taken during production, it can reveal fruity, floral, roasted, or smooth notes.

    Origin Matters

    One of the elements that makes artisan chocolate special is the origin of the cacao. Ecuador is internationally recognized for its fine aroma cacao, a variety valued for its complexity, aroma, and exceptional quality.

    At CORA, origin is not just a beautiful detail. It is part of the identity behind every chocolate bar. Ecuadorian cacao allows the creation of chocolates with their own personality, where every percentage and ingredient combination tells a different story.

    pure chocolate

    That is why choosing chocolate made with origin cacao is about more than simply choosing a product. It is about choosing a more authentic, conscious, and meaningful experience.

    What Makes Artisan Chocolate Different from Commercial Chocolate?

    The main difference lies in the care behind the process. Artisan chocolate aims to respect the natural character of cacao, while many commercial chocolates prioritize mass production, standardized flavors, and formulas where cacao is not always the main ingredient.

    True artisan chocolate can often be recognized by:

    • A stronger cacao presence
    • Carefully selected ingredients
    • More intentional production processes
    • More defined and complex flavors
    • A connection to origin
    • A more sensory and less generic experience

    In other words, artisan chocolate is not meant to taste exactly the same every time. It is meant to express where it comes from.

    Fine Aroma Cacao: The Heart of Artisan Chocolate

    Fine aroma cacao is one of Ecuador’s greatest treasures. Its value comes from its natural aroma, complexity, and ability to create chocolates with deeper and more balanced flavors.

    That is why, at CORA, fine aroma cacao is not simply a raw ingredient. It is the starting point for creating chocolate bars that connect tradition with contemporary flavors, local identity with uniqueness, and enjoyment with purpose.

    Every bar is crafted so the cacao can shine while also blending with ingredients that represent memorable flavors and Ecuadorian identity.

    Chocolate with Purpose

    Every chocolate bar represents a way to contribute to initiatives that create impact, including wildlife conservation and female empowerment. Choosing CORA also means choosing a brand that understands chocolate as an experience with purpose.

    CORA was not created only to make chocolate. It was created to support meaningful causes.

    Artisan chocolate can already be delicious, but when it also carries purpose, it becomes something even more special.

    Experience CORA

    True artisan chocolate is meant to be enjoyed slowly. You look at it, break it, smell it, and savor it. Every detail matters because behind every bar there is origin, process, intention, and purpose.

    If you would like to experience cacao chocolate made in Ecuador with identity and heart, explore the CORA shop and discover its different flavors. And if you are interested in sharing CORA with your community or business, visit our contact page to learn more about becoming a distributor.

  • A Gesture of Care: How CORA Supports Women Entrepreneurs

    A Gesture of Care: How CORA Supports Women Entrepreneurs

    When we think about supporting women entrepreneurs, we often imagine large initiatives or long-term programs. But sometimes, impact begins with something more personal. A moment of care, a thoughtful gesture, and a reminder that someone sees and values your work. 

    That is exactly how CORA chooses to show up. Through fine aroma cacao, it creates meaningful moments for the community of women entrepreneurs at Corre La Voz, a name that translates to “spread the word” and reflects a mission centered on amplifying women-led businesses, their stories, and their impact.

    A brand rooted in purpose and fine aroma cacao

    CORA is more than a chocolate brand. It was created with a purpose: to connect people to meaningful causes through something as simple and powerful as chocolate.

    At the heart of CORA is fine aroma cacao, one of Ecuador’s most valued natural treasures. But beyond its flavor and quality, cacao represents something deeper. It reflects the traditions, landscapes, and people behind every harvest, especially the women who play a vital role in its cultivation.

    Through every bar, CORA shares not only the richness of cacao, but also the story of the hands and communities behind it.

    Supporting the Corre La Voz community through thoughtful moments

    CORA’s collaboration with Corre La Voz is rooted in a shared belief: that women grow stronger when they are supported, seen, and celebrated.

    Rather than focusing only on visibility, CORA also brings something more human into the experience—care.

    By sharing chocolate made from fine aroma cacao, CORA creates moments where women entrepreneurs can pause, feel appreciated, and reconnect with their purpose. These gestures are simple, but meaningful. They are a way of saying: your work matters, your effort is seen, and your journey deserves to be celebrated.

    Honoring the women behind cacao

    Every time CORA shares its chocolate with the Corre La Voz community, it also carries the story of another group of women: Ecuadorian cacao farmers.

    These women are an essential part of the cacao supply chain, yet their work often goes unseen. By bringing fine aroma cacao into spaces that celebrate entrepreneurship, CORA creates a connection between women across different worlds. Those cultivating the land and those building businesses.

    It becomes a shared story of growth, resilience, and dedication.

    A piece of Ecuador in every experience

    For CORA, fine aroma cacao is not just an ingredient, it is a way to share Ecuador.

    Each bar represents the country’s traditions, flavors, and identity. When CORA brings chocolate to communities like Corre La Voz, it is also sharing a piece of home and a reminder of where it all begins.

    This connection adds depth to every interaction. It turns a simple moment into something more meaningful, rooted in culture and intention.

    Why these small actions matter

    Support does not always need to be large to be impactful.

    Creating spaces where women feel appreciated can strengthen confidence, build community, and encourage continued growth. These small acts of care can have a lasting effect, especially for entrepreneurs navigating challenges and building something of their own.

    CORA understands that impact can start with something as simple as making someone feel valued.

    How to support purpose-driven initiatives like this

    If you want to be part of this impact, there are simple ways to start.

    You can explore the stories behind women-led businesses by listening to the Corre La Voz podcast, “Hasta Que Se Acabe La Cera,” and discover the journeys, challenges, and motivations that drive each entrepreneur forward.

    You can also choose to support purpose-driven brands by being intentional about what you buy and who you support.

    With CORA, you can take part in this mission in a few meaningful ways:

    Because when you choose CORA, you are doing more than enjoying chocolate. You are helping spread the word, support women entrepreneurs, and share a piece of Ecuador’s story with every bite.

  • A Return to the Origin: CORA’s Easter Fine Aroma Cacao Experience in Ecuador

    A Return to the Origin: CORA’s Easter Fine Aroma Cacao Experience in Ecuador

    When people think of Easter chocolate, they usually think about tradition first. At CORA, it becomes something more. Every experience is designed to feel meaningful, connecting people not only through flavor, but through purpose.

    This year, CORA brought that vision to life with a special Easter activation at Jardín Alado. More than just an event, it was a way to bring the story of fine aroma cacao into a space that reflects the brand’s deeper mission.CORA was born in Ecuador, and its name comes from corazón, a reminder to support the causes that unite us. By working with fine aroma cacao—one of Ecuador’s most valuable natural resources—CORA highlights the richness of the land while also committing to protect it. Hosting this experience at Jardín Alado made that connection tangible.

    A Moment of Connection and Discovery

    The event was intentionally small, creating a more personal and meaningful atmosphere. Guests were invited to slow down, explore, and engage with CORA in a way that felt natural and authentic.

    The experience began with a “treasure hunt” for handcrafted Easter “eggs”—30g CORA fine aroma cacao bars hidden throughout the space. Each one carried not only a sweet discovery, but also information about the brand and an invitation to participate in a giveaway to find CORA’s next ambassador.

    It was a simple idea, but one that encouraged curiosity, interaction, and connection.

    Jardín Alado: Where Conservation and Purpose Meet

    Jardín Alado is more than a location—it is a wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to giving wild birds a second chance.

    Many of the birds that arrive at Jardín Alado have suffered from trafficking, abuse, or abandonment. Some are able to recover and return to their natural habitat. Others, due to physical or emotional trauma, are given a safe sanctuary where they can live with dignity.

    Beyond rehabilitation, Jardín Alado also creates awareness. By sharing these stories, it helps people understand the importance of protecting wildlife and respecting the ecosystems around us.

    For CORA, this matters. Fine aroma cacao comes from environments that depend on ecological balance. Supporting spaces like Jardín Alado is part of honoring that origin.

    Returning to the Origin Through Fine Aroma Cacao

    After the treasure hunt, guests were invited to a guided tasting of CORA’s fine aroma cacao bars.

    This moment focused on more than flavor. It was about understanding where cacao comes from, how it is cultivated, and why it is worth protecting. Surrounded by nature, the tasting reflected the idea of returning to the origin—connecting the product back to the ecosystems and communities behind it.

    At CORA, fine aroma cacao is not just an ingredient. It is a way to tell a story about Ecuador, its biodiversity, and its people.

    Fine Aroma Cacao with Impact

    At CORA, fine aroma cacao is not just something you enjoy. It is something you choose.

    By creating experiences like this Easter activation, CORA reinforces its commitment to wildlife conservation and community impact. Supporting initiatives like Jardín Alado means helping provide care, refuge, and dignity to animals that need it most.

    This is how CORA creates impact beyond the product—by connecting every bar of fine aroma cacao to a purpose that protects and gives back.

    Experience CORA: Order or Become a Distributor

    If you are ready to experience fine aroma cacao chocolate made with purpose, CORA invites you to explore its collection and discover flavors inspired by Ecuador.

    You can order CORA and support a brand that invests in conservation and community. And if you own a shop, café, hotel, or specialty store, you can become a distributor and bring purpose-driven fine aroma cacao to your customers.

    CORA is born from the heart. And every bar is an invitation to be part of something bigger.

  • Wildlife Conservation in Ecuador: How CORA Creates Impact Beyond Chocolate

    Wildlife Conservation in Ecuador: How CORA Creates Impact Beyond Chocolate

    When we think about wildlife conservation, we often picture large national parks or distant environmental efforts. But protecting wildlife also happens in more immediate, human spaces where individual actions can give animals a second chance at life.

    That’s where real impact begins. And that’s where CORA chooses to act.

    CORA is a chocolate brand born in Ecuador and created from the heart. The name CORA comes from corazón—heart—because it represents our commitment to the causes that bring us together. We work with fine aroma cacao, one of Ecuador’s most valuable natural resources, and we believe that honoring that richness also means protecting the ecosystems it comes from.

    That’s why CORA goes beyond the product. It’s chocolate with purpose, and that purpose includes supporting wildlife conservation.

    Why Wildlife Conservation Is Part of CORA’s Mission

    Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. From the Andean cloud forests to the Amazon rainforest, thousands of species depend on fragile ecosystems to survive.

    But many of these species face ongoing threats, including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trafficking, and human impact.

    Supporting wildlife conservation means protecting that balance. It means helping injured or displaced animals recover, and creating awareness so fewer animals are harmed in the future.

    CORA believes in impact that is local, human, and tangible. That’s why we support initiatives that directly care for and protect wildlife in Ecuador.

    The Mateus Foundation & Jardín Alado: A Second Chance for Wild Birds

    One of the organizations CORA supports is the Mateus Foundation, a foundation dedicated to biodiversity conservation and animal welfare in Ecuador.

    At the heart of their work is Jardín Alado, a wildlife rehabilitation center focused on wild birds.

    At Jardín Alado, birds that have suffered from abuse, trafficking, or abandonment are given refuge and specialized care. Some are able to recover and return to their natural habitat. Others, due to physical or emotional trauma, are given a safe space where they can live with dignity. Every bird has a story, and each one is a reminder of why protecting wildlife matters.

    Beyond rehabilitation, Jardín Alado also plays an important role in education and awareness. By sharing these stories, they help people see animals from a different perspective and understand the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife.

    How CORA Creates Impact Through Wildlife Conservation

    CORA produces chocolate with high-quality ingredients and fine aroma cacao, highlighting the richness of Ecuador. But our mission goes further.

    By supporting the Mateus Foundation and its Jardín Alado project, CORA helps ensure that more wild birds receive care, shelter, and the opportunity to heal. This isn’t just about creating a product, it’s about connecting that product to a purpose that creates real impact.

    That’s how CORA creates impact beyond chocolate: by supporting conservation efforts, promoting environmental awareness, and reminding us that everyday choices can help protect the natural world.

    How You Can Support Wildlife Conservation

    If you’d like to be part of this impact, there are simple ways to get involved.

    And you can support CORA’s purpose:

    • Enjoy chocolate made with intention—crafted in Ecuador using fine aroma cacao.
    • Or, if you own a shop, café, hotel, or business, you can become a CORA distributor and help bring this purpose-driven chocolate to more people.

    Because when you choose CORA, you’re not just choosing chocolate. You’re choosing a brand that believes in Ecuador, in its biodiversity, and in protecting wildlife.

  • Women Empowerment Initiatives: How CORA Builds Impact Through Chocolate

    Women Empowerment Initiatives: How CORA Builds Impact Through Chocolate

    When we talk about women empowerment, we often think about big movements and long-term change. At CORA, it also looks like something simple and meaningful: choosing to uplift women-led businesses, amplify their voices, and build community through everyday actions.

    CORA is a chocolate brand born in Ecuador, created with a mission that goes beyond flavor. CORA originates from the word heart because it invites us to beat for the good causes that unite us. It is a symbol of love for our people, our nature, and our society. CORA uses fine aroma cacao as a symbol of the richness of Ecuador and to honor an ingredient that not only delights the palate, but is also valued for its natural benefits. CORA is a heart that beats for Ecuador, motivated to move forward in favor of noble causes.

    Two ladies at a women empowerment event

    That purpose is not separate from the product. It is part of the brand’s identity, and it shows up in the initiatives CORA chooses to support, including Corre La Voz, a community built to promote women empowerment through visibility, storytelling, and connection.

    Why women empowerment matters to CORA

    Women empowerment is not only about inspiration. It is also about access, confidence, and the ability to grow something of your own with support around you. Many women entrepreneurs have the talent and the discipline to build incredible businesses, but they still face challenges like limited visibility, fewer connections, and fewer opportunities to be heard.

    CORA believes empowerment grows faster when women feel seen and supported. That is why CORA aligns with initiatives that create spaces for women to share what they do, why they do it, and how they are building their own path.

    Corre La Voz: women empowerment through stories, community, and visibility

    Corre La Voz, which translates to “Spread the word,” is a community dedicated to empower women and promote women-led enterprises. Through their podcast, “Hasta Que Se Acabe La Cera”, and their social networks, Corre La Voz highlights the essence of each business by sharing the story behind it and the motivation that pushed each entrepreneur to start.

    Speaker at a women empowerment event.

    Corre La Voz also focuses on strengthening the connection between women entrepreneurs and their clients, celebrating achievements, challenges, and the courage it takes to create something lasting. Over time, it has become a space where women support each other through shared learnings, tips, and experiences, building a real sisterhood that turns encouragement into momentum.

    How CORA supports women empowerment through purpose-driven chocolate

    CORA crafts chocolate with high quality standards and local ingredients, highlighting the flavors, aromas, and traditions of Ecuador. But CORA also exists to create impact, and that is why it supports women empowerment initiatives like Corre La Voz.

    When CORA supports a community like this, it is helping women entrepreneurs gain more reach, build stronger relationships with customers, and feel more confident in the value of what they are creating. CORA’s mission is not to speak for women, but to help make space for their voices and celebrate what they are building.

    That is how CORA builds impact through chocolate. It connects something people already love with something the country needs more of: community, visibility, and opportunity for women-led dreams.

    How to support women empowerment with CORA

    If you want to be part of this impact, there are a few simple ways to start.

    Image of three ladies sitting at a table.

    You can follow and share Corre La Voz, listen to their podcast “Hasta Que Se Acabe La Cera”” and support the women-led businesses they feature. You can also choose brands that reinvest in purpose-driven initiatives that uplift communities in Ecuador.

    And you can support women empowerment through CORA in two direct ways:

    Order CORA chocolate and enjoy fine aroma cacao crafted with intention and Ecuadorian pride.
    Or, if you own a shop, café, hotel, or specialty store, become a CORA distributor and bring purpose-driven chocolate to more people.

    Because when you choose CORA, you are choosing more than chocolate. You are choosing women empowerment that grows story by story, business by business, and heart by heart.

  • Benefits of Cacao Chocolate: Why CORA Focuses on Quality Ingredients

    Benefits of Cacao Chocolate: Why CORA Focuses on Quality Ingredients

    When people think of cacao chocolate, they usually think about flavor first. At CORA, flavor is only the beginning. Every bar is made to feel meaningful, from the quality of the cacao to the purpose behind the brand.

    CORA was born in Ecuador and its name comes from corazón because it invites us to beat for the good causes that unite us. Our chocolate was created with a purpose, to support initiatives that protect wildlife and uplift women entrepreneurs. That purpose shows up in every decision CORA makes, especially the most important one: choosing fine aroma cacao.

    cacao chocolate with strawberry flavor

    What makes fine aroma cacao special

    Fine aroma cacao is cacao selected for its naturally rich aroma and complex flavor profile. You can taste it in the depth and balance of CORA bars. It is the kind of cacao that brings out notes that feel more layered and expressive, not just “more chocolate.” This is why CORA does not treat cacao as a commodity. It is treated as something noble, local, and worth honoring.

    Traceable cacao, quality you can trust

    Quality also means knowing exactly where the cacao comes from. CORA focuses on traceability from the very beginning, caring for the cacao from cultivation to the final bar. That means CORA can stand behind every chocolate with confidence because origin is not a vague story, it is a real part of how quality is protected.

    cacao chocolate that is passion fruit flavored

    CORA’s Ecuadorian sourcing: three regions, three expressions

    CORA 43% cacao chocolate uses cacao from Tena in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where the environment is ideal for cacao cultivation. This origin reflects the richness of the Amazon and offers a smooth, approachable cacao experience.
    43% flavor includes: Cookies and Milk

    CORA 55% cacao chocolate is made with fine aroma cacao sourced from Puerto Quito and the Chocó Andino, an area known for its humid climate and fertile soils. This line pairs cacao with flavors that feel familiar and comforting.
    55% flavors include: Roses & Pink Salt, Figs & Panela, and Plantain Chips.

    CORA 70% cacao chocolate comes from Esmeraldas, Ecuador’s “green province.” CORA highlights something special about this region: its closeness to the sea makes its cacao unique. These bars are crafted to let fine aroma cacao lead the experience.
    70% flavors include: Pure Cacao, Sambo Seed, Lemon Verbena, and Red Fruit.

    The benefits of cacao chocolate, when ingredients come first

    So what are the benefits of cacao chocolate when it is made with this level of care? Cacao is valued for naturally occurring compounds and minerals, and many people enjoy cacao chocolate as part of a balanced lifestyle. But CORA’s approach is simple: benefits start with what you can control. Better cacao, better ingredients, better sourcing, and a process that protects quality from start to finish.

    picnic featuring Cora's cacao chocolate

    At CORA, cacao chocolate is not just something you eat. It is something you choose. You choose Ecuador. You choose traceability. You choose fine aroma cacao. And you choose a brand that turns enjoyment into support for causes with real impact.

    Order CORA or become a distributor

    If you are ready to experience cacao chocolate made with purpose, you can order CORA and explore the flavors inspired by Ecuador. If you own a shop, café, hotel, or specialty store, you can also become a CORA distributor and bring purpose-driven Ecuadorian chocolate to your community.

    CORA is chocolate born from the heart. Now it is ready to be shared.

  • Corre La Voz: A Network of Female Empowerment

    Corre La Voz: A Network of Female Empowerment

    Who are we? 

    Corre La Voz, which translates to “Spread the Word,” is a community created to support female empowerment and highlight women-led businesses. Through our podcast, Hasta Que Se Acabe La Cera, and our social media platforms, we share the stories behind each entrepreneur. We highlight their motivation and the journey that led them to build their dreams.

    Our goal is to strengthen the connection between women entrepreneurs and their communities by celebrating their achievements, recognizing their challenges, and honoring the courage it takes to create your own path.

    How Our Community Began

    Corre La Voz was born from a clear mission: to promote the talent, creativity, and value of products and businesses led by women. Katy and Gaby founded Corre La Voz because they believe deeply in the power of women entrepreneurs. The project began as a support network where stories of resilience, effort, and success could be shared. 

    Katy and Gaby, co-founder of spread the word

    Through our podcast and digital platforms, we aim to inspire more women to begin their own journey. We do this by sharing stories from others who have already taken that step. Since its beginning, Corre La Voz has grown into a community where women support one another by sharing ideas, lessons, advice, and experiences.

    Every story we hear, and every challenge we overcome, reminds us that we are part of something bigger, a true sisterhood built on growth, solidarity, and shared purpose.

    Our Mission: Inspiring Women to Lead Their Own Story

    At the heart of Corre La Voz is a commitment to female empowerment. Through our social media content, we remind women that they are the protagonists of their own lives. We share inspiring phrases, illustrations, videos, and messages. Our content encourages women to trust themselves, pursue their goals, and believe in the value of their ideas.

    Our podcast is a space for women seeking inspiration, practical advice, and real stories that motivate them to keep moving forward. Whether they are starting a business, strengthening a talent, or simply looking for encouragement, Corre La Voz exists to offer support and connection.

    Each part of our community is designed to spark courage and help women transform their ideas into real opportunities, while building confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of purpose.

    From Dreams to Reality

    What started as a small network among friends has grown into a community that continues to expand. With a growing audience on social media and thousands of podcast listens, Corre La Voz has become a meaningful space for conversations around female empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community.

    Today, we have the opportunity to connect with inspiring women from Ecuador and beyond who share their stories, lessons, and advice. These conversations continue to motivate other women to believe in themselves and take action on their own goals.

    In addition to our content, we have also developed a line of products designed to inspire hope and remind women not to give up on their dreams. Each product represents more than an item. It carries a message of encouragement, resilience, and empowerment.

    Women speakers of Corre La Voz event

    Growing Through Every Challenge

    Building something meaningful is never easy. Like many women-led initiatives, Corre La Voz has faced challenges at every stage, from shaping its identity to forming strategic partnerships and continuing to grow its impact.

    Still, thanks to the support of our community and our belief in the purpose behind this project, we have continued forward. We have adapted, learned, and evolved while staying committed to creating a space where women feel seen, supported, and inspired.

    That commitment is what keeps this community strong and what allows us to continue amplifying the voices of brave women who refuse to give up.

    Join our Community!

    Being part of Corre La Voz is simple. You can connect with us through our social media channels, where we share inspirational, educational, and motivational content. You can also listen to Hasta Que Se Acabe La Cera on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, where women entrepreneurs share their experiences, lessons, and personal stories.

    Evento Corre La Voz

    You can also explore our products through our social platforms or visit Alba, located inside the Jardín Alado wildlife rescue center on the slopes of Ilaló.

    If you believe in sisterhood, positive change, and the power of women supporting women, we invite you to join our community. Together, we can continue building a future where more women feel empowered to grow, lead, and achieve their dreams.

    Corre La Voz and be part of the change!

  • Birds of Prey in Ecuador: Why Conservation Matters

    Birds of Prey in Ecuador: Why Conservation Matters

    Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and its birds of prey play an essential role in keeping ecosystems in balance. These raptors help control populations of other animals, support healthy food chains, and serve as indicators of environmental health. When their populations decline, the effects can reach far beyond a single species.

    Today, many birds of prey in Ecuador face growing pressure from habitat loss, hunting, poisoning, and other human-driven threats. Protecting them is not only about saving individual species. It is also about protecting Ecuador’s biodiversity and the natural systems that support life across the country.

    Threatened Birds of Prey in Ecuador

    Several birds of prey in Ecuador are under pressure due to environmental change and human activity. Some of the most well-known examples include:

    1. Harpy Eagle (Harpagornis harpyja): Considered vulnerable in Ecuador, the population of these birds is decreasing due to deforestation in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where their natural habitat is increasingly degraded by agriculture and cattle ranching.

    2. Red-crowned Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa): Listed as a near-threatened species, this vulture faces loss of its natural habitat and accidental poisoning. These animals are scavengers, which makes them vital to their ecosystem.

    3. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): Although not critically endangered, the population of this bird has declined due to hunting, the use of pesticides and the loss of its natural habitat, with Ecuador being a very important migration point.

    Biodiversity in Ecuador

    Our country is a sanctuary of biodiversity, with about 1,600 species of birds, including more than 35 species of birds of prey. However, biodiversity is under increasing threat due to human activity.

    According to the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), close to 200 species of birds in Ecuador are in danger of extinction, including 10 of the 35 species of birds of prey.

    Main Threats

    1. Loss of habitat: Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and land-use change continue to reduce the natural habitats many raptors need to hunt, nest, and survive.

    2. Hunting and Persecution: Some birds of prey are still killed because they are misunderstood or seen as a threat. This kind of persecution can have serious consequences for already vulnerable populations.

    3. Contamination: Pesticides and other contaminants can harm raptors directly or indirectly through their prey. Scavenger species are especially vulnerable when toxins enter the food chain.

    What Conservation Can Look Like

    Protecting birds of prey requires long-term effort from organizations, communities, and institutions. Some of the most important conservation actions include:

    Law and Protection: There is legislation that protects birds of prey, but monitoring is key to effectiveness. As citizens, we should ask the authorities and industries to adopt more sustainable practices and follow the regulations.

    Habitat restoration: The reforestation projects are crucial to restoring habitats lost and provide a refuge for endangered species.

    Environmental education: community-based programs that educate about the importance of birds of prey is the first step to foster the love and respect for nature. In Jardín Alado, each animal has a story to tell and a lesson to offer.

    Why is it crucial to protect these birds?

    Birds of prey are more than majestic animals. They are essential to ecological balance and to the health of Ecuador’s ecosystems. Their protection depends on habitat conservation, public awareness, rescue efforts, and long-term community support.

    By learning more, sharing these stories, and supporting organizations working in the field, more people can help protect Ecuador’s biodiversity for the future.

    How Cora Supports This Initiative

    At Cora, conservation is part of a broader commitment to purpose, community, and Ecuador’s natural heritage. Supporting initiatives connected to wildlife protection helps create a deeper impact beyond the product itself.

    Through its support of conservation-focused initiatives, Cora helps bring more visibility to the work of the Mateus Foundation and the protection of birds of prey in Ecuador.

  • Chocolate and well-being: The Power of Fine Aroma Cacao

    Chocolate and well-being: The Power of Fine Aroma Cacao

    When we talk about chocolate, it is inevitable not to feel a wave of pleasure throughout our body. But beyond being a delight for the senses, the fine cocoa aroma has several benefits for the health and well-being. ¡Discover them here!

    1. A Superfood Natural

    Fine aroma cacao is not just a luxury ingredient in gourmet chocolate, but also a superfood full of antioxidants, flavonoids and essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. These components help to reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.

    2. Happiness in Every Bite

    Chocolate, especially chocolate with high cocoa content, is known to stimulate the production of serotonin and endorphins. These hormones are responsible for making us feel happy and relaxed. In addition, it contains theobromine, a mild stimulant that gives us energy without the negative effects of caffeine.

    Our 70% cocoa chocolate is a moment of indulgence that supports a more positive and balanced mood. Sweetened with monk fruit and allulose, you can enjoy it without the guilt of traditional sugar, giving you peace of mind and enhancing a feeling of genuine happiness.

    3. Ally’s Heart

    The moderate consumption of fine aroma cocoa benefits cardiovascular health thanks to its flavonoids, which improve the function of the blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.

    This makes enjoying a piece of dark chocolate a pleasure without the guilt. For example, a bar of CORA 70% chocolate is an excellent source of antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and protect the heart.

    4. Beauty and Health

    Thanks to its high content of antioxidants, cocoa helps to fight the free radicals responsible for premature ageing. It also promotes more radiant and elastic skin, thanks to its ability to improve hydration and blood circulation.

    5. Sports Performance

    By stimulating the production of serotonin and endorphins (neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness and relaxation), this chocolate helps reduce stress. In addition, it supports sports performance and aids muscle recovery, as it contains minerals such as magnesium, essential for muscle function and bone health. Cocoa also improves blood flow and thus oxygenation of muscles during exercise.

    6. Creativity and Sensory Connection

    Fine aroma cocoa not only nourishes the body, but also the mind. Its complex and deep flavor awakens the senses, making it a perfect ingredient for unique dining experiences. In addition, some studies suggest that it improves cognitive function and memory, making it the perfect snack to stimulate creativity.

    Enjoy with a Conscience

    To obtain all these benefits, it is essential to choose a chocolate with a high cocoa percentage. Our 70% chocolate, sweetened with Monk Fruit and Alulosa, is an ideal choice for those looking to watch their weight or maintain a balanced diet, without sacrificing the pleasure of chocolate. Being a natural sweetener with a low glycemic index, it does not cause spikes in blood sugar, which is especially beneficial for people looking to control their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or wish to maintain steady energy levels.

    Opt for fine aroma cocoa, cultivated with responsible practices, which not only guarantees an exceptional taste but also supports producers and protects the ecosystem.

    So the next time you enjoy chocolate, do so with the assurance that you’re feeding your body, mind, and spirit.