Inaru Chocolate: Transforming the Dominican Cacao Industry

Janett and Erika Liriano, daughters of Dominican immigrants, transitioned from successful careers in biopharmaceuticals and venture capital to establish Inaru Chocolate, a vertically integrated cacao company in the Dominican Republic. The sisters, inspired by their parents' stories of hardship and opportunity in their homeland, decided to pursue a venture that would not only fulfill their professional aspirations but also create value for local farmers. In early 2019, during a family gathering, they began to envision a chocolate company that could change the dynamics of the cacao industry.

The Guardian

In 2020, the sisters, along with their parents, made the significant decision to leave their stable jobs and relocate to the Dominican Republic. Their goal was to immerse themselves in the local cacao industry. They spent months learning about the supply chain, discovering that many farmers were exploited by low-paying buyers. This led them to adopt a model that contracts directly with farmers, ensuring fair compensation. Inaru Chocolate pays farmers 3% of every product sold, significantly more than traditional buyers, allowing farmers to invest in their practices and improve cacao quality.

The Guardian

Inaru Chocolate aims to produce high-end chocolate domestically, capitalizing on the disparity between the prices of raw cacao and finished chocolate. In 2023, the sisters opened a 7,000-square-foot factory outside Santo Domingo, navigating bureaucratic challenges to establish their operations. The factory employs 35 people and fosters a connection between farmers and their products, allowing them to experience the fruits of their labor. Janett emphasized the importance of treating farmers as partners rather than distant suppliers, which has been a cornerstone of their business philosophy.

The Guardian

Despite their innovative approach, the Liriano sisters faced significant challenges, including language barriers and securing funding. Janett highlighted the difficulties women of color founders encounter in accessing capital, noting that Black and Latino women received only 0.1% of US venture capital funds in 2023. Initially, they bootstrapped their venture with small angel investments, later raising $12 million, including support from a former Hershey’s executive.

The Guardian

Today, Inaru Chocolate supplies 80% of its products to brands like the W Hotel and Zingerman’s, known for their commitment to quality and transparency. The company also sells its chocolates online and in specialty shops, with products priced competitively within the high-end market. The sisters have found deep fulfillment in creating jobs in the Dominican Republic and reconnecting with their cultural roots, viewing their journey as a natural extension of their identities.

The Guardian

Inaru Chocolate represents a significant shift in the Dominican cacao industry, focusing on ethical practices and sustainable partnerships with farmers. As Janett and Erika Liriano continue to grow their business, they embody the potential for change within their community, illustrating how dedicated efforts can create meaningful opportunities in the cacao sector.

The Guardian