As featured in
The Argonaut
Alma Cacao: Marina del Rey company brings ceremonial cacao from the Peruvian Amazon to the Westside
By Lizeth Calderon · August 6, 2026
Read the full story on The Argonaut →We're honored to share that The Argonaut, the Westside's community newspaper, published a feature on Alma Cacao this August. Reporter Lizeth Calderon spoke with our founder, Gonzalo Dieguez, about where Alma came from and why it is built around community.
What the story covers
- A fresh start. Gonzalo moved to the US from Argentina about 12 years ago. When the pandemic closed his first wellness company, he had to rebuild from scratch.
- Where it began. At a retreat on Mount Shasta, he experienced ceremonial cacao and saw how it brought people together.
- The source. Our cacao comes from the Peruvian Amazon, harvested by hand by a collective of 15 women from native communities. Peru stood out for its genetic biodiversity and its long history with cacao.
- The cacao. Stone ground, packed in small batches, with no added sugar.
- Where to find us on the Westside. MUD\WTR in Santa Monica, The Kinn, and Rainbow Acres Natural Foods, plus online.
- Community first. We host cacao ceremonies where people gather, slow down and connect.
“We want to help people connect together and connect more.”
Gonzalo Dieguez, in The Argonaut
Thank you, Westside
Thank you to Lizeth and The Argonaut for telling our story, and to everyone in Marina del Rey, Venice and Santa Monica who has shared a cup with us.
Read the full story on The Argonaut
New to ceremonial cacao?
Start with What Is Ceremonial Cacao? A Beginner's Guide, see ceremonial cacao in Los Angeles, learn how to do a cacao ceremony at home, or try Alma Cacao.
