Barahona, a province better known for its coffee and coastal beauty, is now carving a name for itself in the world of fine cacao—thanks in large part to Omar Caraballo, a local who was surprised to find cacao trees growing on his own land. After coffee crops in the area were severely affected by disease, farmers began turning to cacao as an alternative. In 2012, Omar launched studies and surveys to better understand local potential and promote Barahona’s cacao to the wider market.
The heart of production lies in Paraíso, a coastal zone with ideal growing conditions—its high rainfall even surpasses that of San Francisco de Macorís, the country’s most famous cacao region. Omar is now expanding cultivation to warmer zones in Barahona to increase output and improve agricultural practices.
Through his company, Bhonacao, Omar has taken a unique approach, focusing not only on improving the quality of the beans but also on uplifting the local community. Unlike the traditional buying systems in the north, Bhonacao educates producers and shares the benefits of cacao directly. As part of its social mission, the company reinvests 10% of its net profits into community projects, such as completing a long-stalled hydroelectric plant and supporting churches, youth groups, students, and sports initiatives.
On the technical side, Bhonacao is working to upgrade the region’s cacao genetics by planting clonal gardens and nurseries, transitioning away from hybrids and toward more refined, high-quality varieties.
In 2021, Omar connected with Jens Kamin of Definite Chocolate at the Dominican Chocolate Festival. Their collaboration led to the first chocolate bars ever made with cacao from Barahona, opening a new frontier for Dominican chocolate. Since then, they’ve continued to test and refine post-harvest techniques to highlight the unique qualities of the region’s beans.
The flavor profile of Barahona cacao is subtle yet complex, featuring citrus brightness, nutty depth, and hints of spice, making it ideal for bean-to-bar makers seeking distinct regional character.
Barahona’s cacao story is still unfolding—but it's already a powerful example of innovation, resilience, and community-driven progress in the Dominican cacao landscape.🌿🍋🌰.