Story perspectives

Dominican Sisters Launch Inaru Chocolate, Uplifting Local Farmers

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Janett Liriano and Erika Liriano, daughters of Dominican immigrants, co-founded Inaru Chocolate in the Dominican Republic after leaving their corporate jobs.
Inaru opened a chocolate factory near Santo Domingo in 2023, employing 35 people.
Inaru contracts directly with farmers and pays them 30-50% more than typical buyers.
The company has raised $12 million in funding and primarily sells to high-end brands to uplift their community and reconnect with their cultural roots.

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Story summary

Janett Liriano and Erika Liriano, daughters of Dominican immigrants, co-founded Inaru Chocolate in the Dominican Republic after leaving their corporate jobs.
Inaru opened a chocolate factory near Santo Domingo in 2023, employing 35 people.
Inaru contracts directly with farmers and pays them 30-50% more than typical buyers.
The company has raised $12 million in funding and primarily sells to high-end brands to uplift their community and reconnect with their cultural roots.