Chocolates Noboa S.A., founded in 1979, is a top-of-the line chocolate manufacturer. This is part of the Noboa Group, an international Ecuadorian conglomerate famous for their “Bonita” brand of bananas, assorted tropical fruits and freeze dried coffee exported all over the world, as well as flour mills, cardboard and plastic plants, banks, insurance companies and a marine fleet ready to ship exports. Chocolates Noboa S.A. produced and exported “Perugina” bonbons to South America during the 80’s, until the Andean Community collapsed. Ever since the 90’s the company has produced chocolates, soluble cocoa and creamy chocolate for the Ecuadorian market. At present it is utilizing its visionary experience and world renowned Ecuadorian cocoa Arriba to manufacture fine gourmet dark chocolate bars labeled “Bonita”, all formulated with high organic cocoa content and furthermore other fine ingredients such as almonds, macadamia nuts, Ecuadorian banana and Andean quinoa or passion fruit.
The scientific name for the cocoa tree is Theobroma cacao which means “food of the gods cocoa”. Native American Indians were familiar with cocoa for more than 2.000 years. Three main varieties are presently known: Criollo (represents 10% of world production; fine quality), Forastero (largest worldwide production; special one in this group is the world famous Cacao Fino de Aroma or Cacao Arriba, grown only in Ecuador, offering a delicate fine floral aroma) and Hybrids (very resistant and with a flavor similar to Criollo).
Besides their delicious flavor, chocolates obtained from cocoa, mainly dark chocolates, contain ingredients conducive to good health and a sense of well-being. Among these you find epicatequin (an antioxidant helpful to your health and which according to a famous professor from Harvard, could help to reduce brain and heart risks as well as cancer and diabetes occurrence probabilities), theobromin (a stimulant which increases serotonin and dopamine levels which stimulate a sense of well-being).