Belize

Belize is a small cacao producer whose output is dominated by smallholder agroforestry farms in the south of the country. Cacao has a long history here, tied to the Maya, and the modern sector is built largely on Q'eqchi' and Mopan Maya farming communities.

The Toledo District is the principal cacao region, where wet beans are aggregated from many smallholder farms and fermented centrally for consistency. Stann Creek District is a secondary zone; it was the focus of a 1980s commercial cacao programme along the Hummingbird Highway that collapsed when world prices fell, leaving a legacy of older plantings alongside newer smallholder farms.

What makes Belize genetically notable is the Maya Mountains, which hold relic Criollo landraces. A study of 77 accessions characterised with 30 microsatellite markers documented this 'Belize Criollo' material, locally blended and known as 'Acriollado', though most cultivated populations are admixed Trinitario-type stock. These relic landraces are of interest for conservation and genetic study. Belize cacao is mostly organically certified and channelled to craft and fine-chocolate buyers, supporting an origin reputation built on bright, fruit-forward, balanced beans.