“A story rooted in the Andes, carried by spirit, shared through cacao.”

AWKI is more than a name — it’s an inheritance. Once given to protectors, princes, and elders of the Inca world, it now lives on in every bar we craft. Born from sacred soil and shaped by ancestral hands, our chocolate carries the spirit of the Andes, honoring a legacy of care, respect, and deep connection to the land.

Cacao farmer harvesting a ripe cacao pod by hand in the Ecuadorian rainforest

A Name That Protects

Why AWKI

AWKI was once the name of a protector — a sacred spirit said to watch over the communities of the Andes. It was also the title given to the prince who would inherit the Inca Empire, carrying the responsibility to guard the kingdom and its people. Today, in indigenous communities across Ecuador, the word still lives on, used with reverence to describe elders, leaders, and those who guide.


We chose the name AWKI not for branding, but for meaning. Our chocolate is crafted to carry that same spirit of protection — rooted in ancestral ingredients, created with care, and designed to nourish both body and soul. Every bar is an offering, shaped by the past and prepared for those seeking something deeper.

Cacao pods growing on a tree in Ecuadorian rainforest

Crafted With Intention, Guided by Ritual

Our Process

We don’t rush chocolate. Each bar begins with cacao grown in nutrient-rich soil, harvested by hand, and fermented under the Andean sun. From there, it’s slow-dried, roasted in small batches, and stone-ground to preserve the depth of flavor nature intended. Every step is done in Ecuador — by the same hands that care for the trees.


But our process is more than technique — it’s spiritual. We treat cacao as medicine, honoring it with silence, intention, and gratitude. Whether it’s for daily pleasure or ceremonial use, every bar is prepared with care, so that what reaches you carries not just taste — but energy.

Bright orange caterpillar crawling on a young cacao pod growing on a tree trunk in a tropical ecosystem

In Harmony With the Land

Sustainability

At AWKI, sustainability isn’t a label—it’s a way of being. We work in close relationship with the land, listening to its cycles, adapting to its pace, and honoring its gifts. Our cacao is grown without synthetic chemicals, using practices that protect soil health, biodiversity, and future harvests. We treat the earth not as a resource, but as a partner in everything we do.


From the finca to the final wrap, our process is designed with intention. Our packaging is biodegradable or recyclable, and our production methods prioritize minimal waste and ethical sourcing. Sustainability for us means longevity—ensuring that both people and ecosystems can thrive for generations to come.

Pure Arriba Nacional Cacao

Rare Ecuadorian cacao with unmatched depth and floral notes.

Rooted in Ancestral Knowledge

Rooted in Ancestral Knowledge

Clean and Nutrient-Rich

High-quality cacao. Nothing artificial, ever.

Crafted in Small Batches

Slow, intentional process to preserve flavor and energy.

Founder of Awki USA smiling and holding a ripe cacao pod in an Ecuadorian cacao farm

Guided by People, Not by Trends

AWKI US was founded by people deeply rooted in the land. Not by trend, but by tradition. Farmers, makers, and guardians of ancestral knowledge came together with one purpose: to protect the spirit of cacao and share it with those who value more than just flavor. Their relationship with the earth is not transactional. It is personal, sacred, and generational.


Every bar is crafted with intention. The team remains hands on in every step of the process, from harvesting and fermentation to grinding and wrapping. It is about honoring the cacao as a living ingredient, not a commodity. AWKI is their way of continuing a legacy, carrying forward the stories, and keeping the connection between land and ritual alive in every bite.

The AWKI Journey

  • 2017

    🌱 The First Harvest

    On a small family finca in the Ecuadorian Andes, our journey began. The land offered its first cacao pods, grown in harmony with ancestral practices.

  • 2018

    🤎 The Discovery of Arriba Nacional

    We uncovered a rare, high-flavor cacao variety known as Arriba Nacional. Its complexity and heritage became the foundation of everything to come.

  • 2019

    ✨ The Birth of AWKI

    AWKI was named to honor the ancient protectors of the Andes. More than a brand, it became a mission: to protect cacao, culture, and craft.

  • 2020

    🌕 The First Cacao Ceremony

    In an intimate gathering, our ceremonial cacao was shared for the first time. It marked the beginning of AWKI’s role in spiritual spaces and intentional communities.

  • 2025

    ✈️ International Launch

    This year marked a new chapter. AWKI expanded into select markets in the U.S. and Europe, offering our bars through curated partners and online. Still made in Ecuador — now shared more widely.

Cacao farmer sun-drying fermented beans on a large platform in a rural village setting
Close-up of a tiny cacao pod in its early growth stage resting on a person’s fingertip in the Ecuadorian rainforest
Awki Intensity chocolate bar displayed with a whole cacao pod and copper-toned packaging, symbolizing the brand’s origin and ancestral roots
Man holding a bowl of ceremonial cacao during a grounding ritual outdoors, part of the Awki experience
Portrait of satisfied Awki customer sharing a testimonial about their experience with Awki