The dinner at the Bristol Hotel was a true spectacle of flavors and discoveries and at the same time, the first step toward raising awareness of Ecuadorian chocolate in Serbia
An exclusive tasting of the officially best chocolate in the world, produced by the Paccari brand — which has been setting global quality standards for two decades was held in the presence of Kristina S. Vegas, Honorary Consul of Ecuador in Serbia. Guests were guided through the exotic flavors of the Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific, and the Galapagos by Mr. Santiago Peralta, the brand’s founder, visionary, and TED speaker, together with a professional sommelier.
The event offered visitors a unique opportunity to taste, for the very first time in the region, luxury chocolates from the heart of Ecuador — a country known as “the cradle of the world’s oldest and finest cacao” and to discover the story behind this chocolate revolution.
Kristina Vegas, Honorary Consul of Ecuador in Serbia, reflected on the significance of introducing Ecuadorian chocolate to the Serbian market:
“This is a remarkable opportunity to present the richness of Ecuador a country of vibrant nature that captivates hearts — through the world’s best chocolate. Promoting a brand like Paccari is not merely the introduction of a new product to the market; it is also a meaningful step in strengthening understanding and friendship, as well as in encouraging shared cultural, gastronomic, and economic growth.”
The founders of the brand, Santiago Peralta and Carla Barboto, have given the world a product that not only satisfies the most demanding palates but also contributes to reforming the industry by promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices and, above all, fairness for local communities through direct trade and fair relations with farmers.
Santiago Peralta, who has been appointed by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Ambassador of Ecuadorian Cacao and Chocolate, visited Belgrade for the first time and stated:
“Paccari — which in the Kichwa language means ‘nature’ — has built its international reputation through a concept rooted in respect for the land and the communities that produce cacao.
Our chocolates are made from 100% organic cacao, free from milk, soy, gluten, chemicals, and GMOs. All our chocolates are vegan and crafted with ingredients such as lemongrass, passion fruit, raw chocolate with 70% cacao, Andean salt, Andean rose, and cardamom — flavors deeply connected to Ecuador’s tropical ecosystem.”
“This was more than an ordinary tasting it was an introduction to the Paccari brand, which since its founding in 2002 has won more than 460 international awards and has become a symbol of excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility,” said Ms. Minja Milojević, importer and distributor of Ecuadorian chocolate for Serbia. “This particular cacao variety, Arriba Nacional, known for its complex floral and fruity notes, has become the brand’s hallmark. Its chocolates preserve the deepest traditions and natural harmony of Ecuador’s ecosystem, which we proudly present to the Serbian market.
Paccari chocolates are available at Ivona retail outlets in Galerija, Ušće, Delta City, and Merkator shopping centers, as well as at the Ivona flower shop in Autokomanda. For those who prefer shopping from home, Paccari can also be ordered via cvecaraivona.rs, and the brand can be followed on Instagram at @paccari.rs
While the evening will be remembered for its flavors, inspiring atmosphere, and floral arrangements of Ecuadorian roses and hydrangeas prepared by Cvećara Ivona, the professional sommelier recommended pairing the world’s best chocolate with wine, sparkling wine, whisky, rum, and other fine spirits — beverages that perfectly highlight the complexity and richness of this exceptional chocolate’s aromas.
This dinner once again confirmed that Ecuadorian chocolate is not just a pleasure but also a platform for sharing vital messages about sustainability, fairness, and global culinary heritage.
Paccari is undoubtedly a product of the future, and its introduction to Serbia opens a new dimension for lovers of fine gastronomy and cultural understanding all within a single square of the world’s finest chocolate.
