Hummingbird Citrus

Hummingbird Citrus is a Belizean citrus, coconut and cocoa farm. Since 2014, we have been working together to rehabilitate the abandoned Xibun River Estate plantation. Founded in the 1970s, the plantation took its name from the Xibun River that runs alongside its border.  It was eventually acquired by Hummingbird Citrus under the initiative of its director, Henry Canton, with the aim of revitalizing the plantation.

In 2020, Hummingbird Citrus will join Silk Grass Farms. This Belizean family of companies includes a diversified plantation (growing coconuts, citrus fruit and more) committed to implementing innovative regenerative agricultural practices allowing it to make a positive social and environmental impact. It also encompasses a state-of-the-art agribusiness that turns harvests into high quality food and beverages, stimulating the local economy. Silk Grass Farms’ commitments have earned it the distinction of being the first B-Corp certified company in Belize. All of its post-tax profits fund the non-profit organization Silk Grass Wildlife Preserve, which manages a private protected natural area with almost 10,000 hectares of primary rainforest in the Maya Mountains. Founded by Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup, the Silk Grass Wildlife Preserve has created an ecological corridor by connecting three other protected areas: Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, Sittee River Forest Preserve and Bocawina Mayflower National Park.

By joining Silk Grass Farms, Hummingbird Citrus takes its ambitions to the next level: a 5-year infrastructure restoration plan is in place to provide excellent quality accommodation for the families of the 46 employees. In this project—in which Valrhona is a partner—18 homes will be renovated, including access to drinking water and electricity while complying with anti-hurricane standards. The social and environmental ambitions and high-quality produce of Hummingbird Citrus make it a natural partner for Valrhona.