Building a chocolate factory in the middle of a Costa Rican jungle may sound like a dream for many people(including us of course) but it also comes with immense responsibility and at Blue Valley Chocolate, we knew from the start that if we were going to create a space to process cacao, it had to exist in harmony with the rainforest around us.
Our guiding principle was simple: the factory must serve the land, not the other way around. Here’s how we built our facility in Guanacaste without harming the ecosystem that gives us life.
Choosing the Right Location
Before a single stone was laid, we walked the land with local experts and community elders. Instead of clearing large areas, we searched for a natural clearing where minimal tree removal would be needed.
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No old-growth trees were cut. The cacao forest and surrounding biodiversity remain intact.
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Waterways were protected. We avoided sensitive streams and wetlands, ensuring natural water flow for plants and animals.
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Wildlife corridors were preserved. Paths used by monkeys, birds, and other species were respected, keeping the forest connected.
Building with Natural Flow
The jungle is alive, and our factory needed to breathe with it. That meant designing structures that fit into the land, not forcing the land to fit us.
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Raised Foundations: Instead of heavy concrete slabs, we used raised supports where possible, allowing water, roots, and small animals to move freely underneath.
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Natural Ventilation: Large open windows and air flow channels reduce the need for air conditioning, keeping energy use low.
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Local, Natural Materials: Wood and stone were sourced locally and sustainably, blending the building into its environment.
Energy and Water Practices
From day one, we committed to sustainable resource use:
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Solar Energy: Much of our electricity is powered by the Costa Rican sun, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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Rainwater Collection: Our factory uses harvested rainwater for cleaning and garden irrigation, easing pressure on groundwater.
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Efficient Wastewater Systems: Greywater is filtered naturally before re-entering the ecosystem, protecting rivers and soil.
Waste and Recycling
Chocolate-making produces byproducts, but nothing in nature should go to waste.
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Cacao Husk Composting: The husks from roasted beans are returned to the soil as compost.
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Minimal Packaging Waste: By focusing on compostable and recyclable materials, even our supply chain avoids harmful plastics.
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Recycling Stations: Both staff and visitors are encouraged to separate waste properly, supporting a culture of sustainability.
Community Involvement
We believe a factory must also be a part of the living community, in this case in both Upala and Brasilito.
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Consulting Elders: Local Maleku wisdom helped guide decisions about land use and respect for sacred plants.
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Local Employment: Construction and operations provided jobs for nearby families, keeping the benefits close to home.
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Education Through Tours: Visitors learn not only about chocolate but also about the care that went into preserving the jungle around our factory.
What Visitors See Today
When guests arrive at Blue Valley Chocolate, many are surprised by how seamlessly the factory blends into the forest. Birds still nest nearby, monkeys swing overhead, and the sound of the rainforest remains undisturbed.
Walking into the factory feels less like entering an industrial space and more like stepping into a natural extension of the jungle. That harmony was always our goal.
Why This Matters
Too often, development in Costa Rica and beyond has meant sacrificing forests for buildings. By proving that it’s possible to build thoughtfully, we hope to inspire other farmers, entrepreneurs or even travelers to think about how their choices impact ecosystems.
Sustainability isn’t just about farming practices or packaging. It’s about how every decision, from construction to daily operations, reflects respect for the land.
Our factory is proof that you can create modern facilities without harming the rainforest. With careful planning, community involvement, and deep respect for the ecosystem, we built a space where chocolate and nature thrive side by side.
At Blue Valley Chocolate, every bar we make carries this story: chocolate crafted in harmony with the jungle that sustains us.