David and José Durán, founders of Durca Dark Chocolate, standing together before a snowy Ecuadorian volcano, symbolizing the origin and grandeur that inspire their craft.



Durca’s Vision for 2026 and Beyond

Durca was born as a family dream and has become a movement shaped by purpose. Each goal we set reflects not only what we want to achieve but who we strive to be. A house of chocolate built with integrity, where every product, tree, and partnership contributes to the creation of a heritage worthy of the land it comes from.

Every ambition at Durca begins and ends with people.

Our dream is to create a lasting heritage for Ecuador, one that honors its land and its people through the excellence of its cacao. Yet every dream needs structure, and ours is built on daily, measurable action.

Durca’s Framework and commitments for 2026 and Beyond

1. Land is not a resource; it is a partner in creation.

By 2026, Durca will reach carbon-negative status through the expansion of reforestation and soil restoration programs in Mache Chindul, Napo, and Quinindé.

The Maison’s goal of 500 protected hectares by 2028 represents a commitment to prove that production and preservation can thrive together.

2. The future of cacao depends on what we learn at origin, not what we extract from it.

Durca is establishing research and training centers in Napo and Quinindé, open spaces where farmers, scientists, and artisans collaborate to refine genetics, fermentation, and post-harvest techniques.

These centers will strengthen Ecuador’s scientific foundation in cacao while creating new pathways for education and entrepreneurship.

3. Chocolate is a language through which cultures meet.

Durca continues to expand its network of chefs, creators, and cultural partners around the world.

Through tastings, residencies, and multidisciplinary collaborations, the Maison seeks to position chocolate as an expression of Ecuador’s creative identity, a medium that connects people through pleasure, purpose, and place.

4. Joy belongs to the present moment. The greatest act of courage is to live now, to stop postponing joy.

Guided by Viva la Vida, Durca seeks to connect with people beyond the product. In the years ahead, our purpose is to inspire people to rediscover the beauty of what is already here, transforming daily life into a celebration of presence.


We envision a Maison that operates globally yet remains anchored to the values that shaped it: origin, craft, and responsibility.

The dream gives us purpose. The work gives it weight. Together, they form a vision where excellence and sustainability move as one.

In dedication to the craft and the land,
David & José Durán
Founders, Durca Chocolate