Sello Chakra Amazónica Certification

Protecting Tradition, Quality, and Sustainability

At Pachakuti Cacao, we believe that the highest quality cacao can only come from deep respect for nature, people and tradition. This is why we proudly partner with indigenous farming communities who adhere to the Sello Chakra Amazonica Certification, a unique standard rooted in the ancestral wisdom of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Since 2017, the Pachakuti team has been working closely with these associations to promote their traditional farming methods, helping to preserve their ways and bring awareness to their practices. We are proud to be the first supplier in the UK and EU accredited with this certification, demonstrating our commitment to delivering ethical, sustainable and exceptional cacao.

Sello Chakra Amazonica is more than a label—it is a promise. It ensures that cacao farming goes beyond simple agriculture to embrace a holistic approach that protects ecosystems, supports families and preserves cultural traditions. Below, we share the nine guiding principles that make this certification so valuable:

1. Amazonian Indigenous Worldview

The Chakra system is guided by the cosmovisión (worldview) of Amazonian indigenous communities, particularly the Kichwa people. This philosophy sees the Earth as a living, interconnected being where humans, plants, animals and spirits coexist in harmony. Farming is not simply a practice but a sacred responsibility to nurture and sustain life.

2. Natural and Agroecological Management

Sello Chakra-certified farms use natural methods to grow cacao and other crops. Agroecological practices prioritise soil health, water conservation and the elimination of synthetic chemicals. By working with nature, farmers ensure their land remains fertile and productive for generations to come.

3. Ancestral Knowledge of the Kichwa People

For centuries, the Kichwa communities of the Amazon have passed down their knowledge of sustainable farming. This includes traditional planting techniques, crop rotations and the careful observation of natural cycles. The Sello Chakra Amazonica Certification honours and protects these time-tested practices.

4. Community and Associative Organisation

The Chakra system fosters collaboration. Farmers work together through associations and cooperatives, sharing resources, knowledge and decision-making. This communal approach not only strengthens local economies but also builds resilience within indigenous communities.

5. Diversified Production for Food Sovereignty

A Chakra farm is much more than a cacao plantation. Farmers grow a variety of fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants alongside cacao, ensuring food security for their families. This diversity reduces dependence on external markets and promotes nutritional well-being.

6. Led by Women and Inclusive of Families

Women play a central role in the Chakra system, leading efforts in both farming and family well-being. The certification ensures that cacao production includes and benefits entire families, empowering women and fostering generational continuity.

7. High Biodiversity and Crop Associations

Chakra farms replicate the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. Multiple crops grow together in harmony, creating natural ecosystems that support wildlife, reduce pests and increase resilience to disease. This stands in stark contrast to the monoculture farming systems that harm the environment.

8. Sustainable and Diversified Production for Special Markets

By focusing on quality over quantity, Chakra-certified farms produce cacao and other products for speciality markets that value sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing. This opens opportunities for farmers to earn fairer prices while maintaining their traditions.

9. Resilient Amazonian Landscape

The Sello Chakra Amazonica Certification is an active response to climate change. The diverse, agroforestry-based Chakra system helps to regenerate soils, maintain water cycles and sequester carbon. This resilient landscape safeguards the Amazon's future while providing sustainable livelihoods for its people.


Why It Matters for You

When you choose Pachakuti Cacao, you are directly supporting this certification and the values it upholds. As the official sole distributor of Sello Chakra Amazonica-certified cacao in the EU and UK we are committed to:

  • Preserving Indigenous Traditions: Protecting ancient knowledge and cultural practices.
  • Sustaining Biodiversity: Promoting farming systems that protect the Amazon rainforest.
  • Empowering Communities: Ensuring fair wages, food sovereignty and women's leadership.
  • Tackling Climate Concerns: Supporting regenerative farming that builds resilience against environmental challenges.

By working with these communities since 2017, Pachakuti Cacao has become a trusted partner in sharing their story and championing their practices. Every purchase you make helps sustain this extraordinary ecosystem and the communities who dedicate their lives to its care.

Sello Chakra Amazonica is a bridge between the past and the future—a way to honour ancient traditions while creating a more sustainable world. At Pachakuti Cacao, we are proud to be part of this movement and to share its extraordinary story with you.

Experience the difference. Taste the tradition. Support the future.