Chocolate comes from far-off lands and carries an inherent environmental cost in its cultivation and the transportation required to bring it to Europe. We are conscious of this and have undertaken a series of steps to minimize our environmental footprint as much as possible.
1. We use ethical chocolate
Sourcing cacao is complicated. The vast majority of chocolate companies buy their cacao from middlemen, with the actual farmers earning just a pittance of the total cost. Desperate to make ends meet on their low wages, cacao farmers end up sending their kids to work and planting cacao trees wherever they can, clearcutting virgin forests and natural reserves if that's what it takes. Luckily, trends are slowly starting to change in the chocolate industry, with more and more companies seeking to change this modus operandi. In our case, we source our chocolate from companies who run their own plantations, meaning they're able to guarantee generous wages for their farmers and instil sustainable environmental practices, including regenerative farms that reposition the cacao tree at the heart of a balanced and thriving ecosystem.
2. We avoid plastic in our packaging
We acknowledge that chocolate boxes are generally a single-use item, particularly when purchased as a gift. We've always strived to avoid the use of plastic in our packaging, opting instead for cardboard boxes, metal tins and biodegradable cellophane bags; and we work with local factories to produce our personalized boxes. We also offer a 2-euro discount if you bring your old Danielle Pacheco Chocolatier box to refill.
3. Our store runs on renewable energy
We're not impressed with the fact that a large percentage of the electricity generated in Spain comes from non-renewable sources, like carbon or methane gas (calling it "natural gas" doesn't make it good for the environment). We've chosen to use 100% renewable energy from a local cooperative to minimize our environmental footprint.
4. We work with an ethical insurance company
Insurance companies invest their earnings - aka, the money you pay for your insurance plan. We've chosen to go with a company with the EthSIseal, so we can sleep better knowing that this money is being invested in socially responsible projects.
5. We donate to environmental projects
From the very start, we've dedicated a portion of our earnings to environmental projects. We have a soft spot for Project Seahorse, which has been fighting to preserve oceans for almost 30 years. They are leaders in marine conservation and have contributed to the establishment of many protected natural areas. They carry out ongoing work with local fishing communities to encourage responsible fishing practices that work in harmony with the local economy.
Since 2024 we are also members of 1% for the Planet, a charity that requires its members to donate at least 1% of gross revenue to environmental causes.
6. We use km0 ingredients
Wherever possible we seek to use ingredients from local producers in order to minimize our environmental impact and ensure that our product line reflects the best that this beautiful corner of the Mediterranean has to offer. We use hazelnuts with the D.O. Reus denomination of origin, Marcona almonds, olive oil from the Siurana region in Tarragona, fresh butter and cream from the Iberian peninsula, and seasonal fruits and herbs.
7. We minimize food waste
Our bonbons are made with fresh ingredients and have a short shelf life. To avoid having to toss them in the garbage, we carry out production in small batches. Bonbons that are close to their expiry date become samples for our clients.