Finding Fortunato: How a Peruvian Adventure Inspired the Sweet Success of a Family Chocolate Business Hardcover
One Of 11 Books Selected For The JP Morgan 2024 Summer Reading List!
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Embark on an up-close and personal journey into the northern Peruvian jungle as last-chance entrepreneurs accidentally stumble upon a variety of cacao thought to be extinct, in this chocolate-rich business adventure memoir.
Take a front row seat to a family of entrepreneurs searching relentlessly for a sustainable competitive advantage in the wake of many failed attempts at starting a family business.
When they inadvertently discover the legendary Nacional white cacao bean in a remote canyon of the Peruvian jungle, the USDA calls it “an unprecedented discovery.” The cacao is so rare that even acclaimed author and travel host Anthony Bourdain and chef Eric Ripert trek to this particular jungle to film a segment for Bourdain's "Parts Unknown." With no job and no other way to earn a living, the author’s brother, Brian, moves to the jungle to live with cacao farmers—and Fortunato Chocolate is born.
The family soon realizes that their chocolate dream will only work if they reconceive and disrupt the supply chain. Instead of middlemen hoarding profits and keeping farmers in relentless poverty, they trade directly with them and produce what the BBC hails as "the Rolex of chocolate." Follow along as these intrepid entrepreneurs endure many heartbreaking near-victories and nail-biting adventures, ultimately shaking off failure and finding their competitive advantage in the humble white cacao bean and their ethical direct trade with the bean’s farmers.
Finding Fortunato is an inspiring and improbable tale that's infused with the indomitable entrepreneurial spirit, and revels in the gut instincts that lead to unimaginable success.
Editorial Reviews
Review
—Seth Godin, Author, The Song of Significance
"A wonderful international business adventure about chasing dreams, never giving up, and the power of win/win relationships."
—Jon Gordon, 15x Bestselling Author, The Power of Positive Leadership
“This is the Indiana Jones of chocolate stories! Dan and Brian's heartwarming story and the entrepreneurial lessons of tenacity and value creation make for an incredible combination—like cacao and sugar . . . This is a feel-good story meant for the modern day.”
—Craig Ballantyne, Author, The Perfect Day Formula
“Throughout history, humans have sought the origins of beginnings. The discovery of the rarest cacao at the headwaters of the Amazon River is a journey of such exploration. Finding Fortunato, from cacao tree to chocolate, will take you on such an adventure.”
—Paul Edward & Crystal Mier, International Chocolatiers; Founders, Chef Rubber: Philanthropists; and Explorers
“Being part of the greatest cacao discovery of our generation bears responsibility for the owners of the land in the ‘Jurassic Park of cacao’ and the unique genetic material. Crafting the best chocolate from it is a sensual gift to the world. I am proud to be part of this amazing story.”
—Franz Ziegler, Award-Winning Author and World-Renowned Pastry Chef
“It is rare to read a story that truly transports you to a world of indulgence, intrigue, and adventure. So beautifully written . . . as if I walked every step of the jungle and tasted each bite along with the author.”
—Janice Feldman, Founder, JANUS et Cie, and Winner of Icon of Industry Award for Hospitality
About the Author
All of our products come with a no questions asked 100% money back guarantee. If you are dissatisfied with any product for any reason simply email info@fortunatochocolate.com to request a full refund.
Chef and Restauranteur Eric Ripert - "I am a chocoholic. This chocolate made with Peruvian Pure Nacional beans is the best chocolate I have ever tasted."
American Pastry Chef Norman Love - "Fortunato No. 4 is the standard by which fine chocolate must be measured.”
French Pastry Chef Patrick Roger - "One taste and I knew I must have Fortunato No. 4 for all of my customers in France."
Swiss Pastry Chef Roger von Rotz - "Fortunato No. 4 is the Rolex of Chocolate. It is unbelievable."
Australian Pastry Chef Igor Van Gerwen - "In my 30 years I have never experienced more rewarding chocolate. I recently visited the Marañón Canyon, the social responsibilities and sustainable farm practices engaged in the growing the cacao and making the chocolate, satisfy the conscience."
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Customer Reviews
A passion for Peruvian culture, family, and the wonder of chocolate flows through Adam’s writing in a beautiful way, which clearly transcends a solely corporate agenda. It’s personal, dramatic, yet realistic and filled with struggle that could only be overcome by a family who refused to give up in the face of serious challenges!
Finding Fortunato has the complexity and charm to be a very worthwhile companion to the Fortunato chocolate itself! ~ Go for it, read a page, take a bite, and think of all that had to happen for that chunk of goodness to even exist!
You don't expect a business book to be a page turner, but we have one here that is.
I enjoyed reading this book. Especially since I am Brian’s aunt and know him pretty well. It brought back great memories. I remember when he and his Dad lived with us for a while after the Idaho experience. It was fun to read about all the adventures in Peru. I’m still waiting to taste the chocolate.
Even though I have been following Adam's writing for a long time, and thought that I was aware of the majority of this story, I was pleasantly surprised that there was a lot that I was not aware of. A good read, and after finishing the book, I was left wishing there was more. Love their products and their company's principles. Hope there will be more writings to follow (and soon).
Adam’s book is really interesting, easy to read, and I read it in only two sessions. While some of the story has been covered in his daily emails it was really nice to read the entire story from start to present day in an orderly and coordinated story. It was also really rewarding to learn the processes and travels of the chocolate - it makes me appreciate even more the Fortunato Chocolates that I’ve been buying for quite some time.
Customer Reviews
A passion for Peruvian culture, family, and the wonder of chocolate flows through Adam’s writing in a beautiful way, which clearly transcends a solely corporate agenda. It’s personal, dramatic, yet realistic and filled with struggle that could only be overcome by a family who refused to give up in the face of serious challenges!
Finding Fortunato has the complexity and charm to be a very worthwhile companion to the Fortunato chocolate itself! ~ Go for it, read a page, take a bite, and think of all that had to happen for that chunk of goodness to even exist!
You don't expect a business book to be a page turner, but we have one here that is.
I enjoyed reading this book. Especially since I am Brian’s aunt and know him pretty well. It brought back great memories. I remember when he and his Dad lived with us for a while after the Idaho experience. It was fun to read about all the adventures in Peru. I’m still waiting to taste the chocolate.
Even though I have been following Adam's writing for a long time, and thought that I was aware of the majority of this story, I was pleasantly surprised that there was a lot that I was not aware of. A good read, and after finishing the book, I was left wishing there was more. Love their products and their company's principles. Hope there will be more writings to follow (and soon).
Adam’s book is really interesting, easy to read, and I read it in only two sessions. While some of the story has been covered in his daily emails it was really nice to read the entire story from start to present day in an orderly and coordinated story. It was also really rewarding to learn the processes and travels of the chocolate - it makes me appreciate even more the Fortunato Chocolates that I’ve been buying for quite some time.