The Upper Amazon Valley was home to the first cacao trees. Starting in the 17th century, cacao growing began flourishing in this warm humid climate and fertile soil. ALPACO owes its delicacy to this unique combination of natural environment and local expertise that created growing conditions found nowhere else. Valrhona created ALPACO, the 1st Grand Cru of Ecuador, as an invitation to experience the delicate floral notes of Ecuadorian cacao varieties. In fact, they had always been used as blend chocolates because of their distinctively strong flavor profile with citrus notes. Valrhona created a Pure Ecuador Grand Cru de Terroir to showcase this signature profile.