Founded by Juliet Davey, Mama Cacao Collective CIC is a UK community interest company, not-for-profit dedicated to supporting and empowering women cacao farmers, advancing climate resilience initiatives, educating consumers and preserving cacao tradition and its culture.
After almost three decades living and working in Costa Rica, Juliet returned to the UK in 2025 to establish a base for Mama Cacao Chocolate and the Collective. She continues to spend several months each year in Costa Rica, working alongside women cacao farmers to build skills, improve cacao quality and create higher-value products.
EMPOWERING WOMEN We provide training in fermentation and chocolate-making, raise funds for practical tools and equipment, and connect women with resources and expertise to support their skills, livelihoods and businesses.
BUILDING CLIMATE RESILIENCE We support reforestation, soil restoration, cacao disease management and more resilient farming practices, helping to protect both livelihoods and regenerate the ecosystems on which cacao depends.
CREATING MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
We purchase cacao directly from women farmers at above-market value and work with them to develop high-quality, fine-flavour products, connecting them with local and international craft chocolate markets.
EDUCATING & PRESERVING Through chocolate-making programmes and lectures for schools, universities and local communities, we explore sustainable food systems, climate change, healthier food choices and the cultural heritage of cacao — helping consumers connect with the source of their food and the people who grow it.
OUR VISION A just, regenerative and transparent cacao industry where women have greater economic independence, cacao landscapes are more resilient in the face of climate change, traditional knowledge is valued, and more of the value created by cacao reaches the communities who grow it.
A SEED OF AN IDEA During Juliet's time as a cacao farmer in Costa Rica, she travelled across the country connecting with other producers. It was impossible to ignore the women workers . On many farms they stood quietly in the background as the men spoke on behalf of everyone.
Gender inequality remains deeply embedded in the cacao industry, limiting women's voices, income and excluding them from making decisions that affect their lives.
Despite women making up a large proportion of the cacao workforce, cacao remains a male-dominated industry that depends on women’s labour but rarely invests in their skills, leadership, or economic security.
As we spend more spent time listening to women farmers, it has become clear that these challenges are intensifying, particularly as climate change threatens cacao yields, soil health, and long-term livelihoods.
Our first product,
Single-Origin 100% Cacao Drinking Chocolate made from women-grown cacao, is now being exported to the UK. All of the proceeds from its sales go directly back into the CIC to fund further tools, training, expertise and equipment.
We're also developing storytelling around these products to share the voices, knowledge and stories
of the women behind the cacao.
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS
We are seeking relationships with foundations, businesses and organisations that share our commitment to women's economic empowerment, climate resilience, sustainable food systems
and cultural preservation.
Support can include funding, expertise, equipment, market connections or strategic partnerships.
SUPPORT OR PARTNER WITH US
Together, we can help create a cacao industry where women farmers thrive,
forests are restored and chocolate becomes a force for good.