In 1929, at the beginning of the Great Depression, a man with foresight and vision embarked on a mission, confident of the tremendous potential that existed for Caribbean cocoa. It was then that Pedro Cortés Forteza founded Cortés Hermanos [www.chocolatecortes.com] in the Dominican Republic. As a testament to his seriousness and commitment, the product was launched bearing his own name, and thus Chocolate Cortés was born.

 

In 1931, Pedro began exporting chocolate to Puerto Rico and after seeing the opportunities in that market, he set up operations on Puerto Rican soil. Thanks to his tremendous worth ethic, discipline and leadership, the company enjoyed steady growth from the very outset. Pedro soon distinguished himself for a tradition of quality and commitment to customer service, assets that have always set our company apart.

 

The second half of the 20th century was just as dynamic as the early years for our company.

 

In 1952, Ignacio Cortés del Valle, Pedro’s son, successfully launched the company’s international operations, introducing semi-processed cocoa products as well as a full line of other consumer items.

 

In the Dominican Republic, we soon became the major cacao processor in the country, while expanding our line to include more than 50 products, in a full range of flavors and sizes, all market leaders and favorites in Dominican households to this very day.

In Puerto Rico, under the name of Cortés Hermanos, LLC, we continued to strengthen our leadership position, and we now operate a thriving business manufacturing cocoa and chocolate products that have become an inseparable part of the island’s culinary culture.

 

We currently export our products to the Hispanic markets in the United States, and throughout the Caribbean and Spain, in addition to supplying other product brands to leading companies in the U.S. and the Caribbean. We also export cocoa powder and semi-processed cocoa products to major manufacturers in the U.S., Europe, and Central and South America.

After four generations of building on the proud tradition first established by Pedro Cortés Forteza, we are now the top cocoa processor in the Caribbean region, providing support to Dominican cacao growers in the form of financing, technical consultation, competitive prices, and other forms of assistance.

 

We provide a significant source of employment in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Our employees are experts in cocoa and chocolate production, and highly skilled in all areas relating to processing and export. We are also proud that the great family of Cortés companies all operate within a framework of professional ethics and warm rapport.

 

Cortés is the uncontested leader in the Caribbean market, processing more than 6,000 metric tons per year. We are also constantly seeking to keep ahead of market changes, rolling out new products on an ongoing basis, all under the strictest international standards for quality, with the ultimate goal of satisfying the public’s evolving tastes.

 

Four generations after Pedro first launched our family company, we now enjoy an important global presence. We have learned from our ancestors to meet the challenges of each day, to constantly improve ourselves as individuals, and to give our utmost best. This is why we devote ourselves to delighting the palates of consumers with our passion for chocolate. You can learn more about chocolate and our company at www.corteshermanos.com

 

 

 

Cortés ChocoBar

 

 

The Cortés ChocoBar is a new and innovative gastronomic space where chocolate plays the starring role. Located on the ground floor of Casa Cortés, it is here that the historic past of our capital city merges with art and the warmth of first-class service, and where you can enjoy a varied selection of food and drinks all made from the wide range of products from Chocolate Cortés corporate group. A cutting-edge concept based on gastronomy, art and culture, where enjoying chocolate is a sublime pleasure and quality is our family pledge.

 

This unique and welcoming environment serves as a showcase for the Cortés family’s genuine commitment to our country and to art through the exhibition of Puerto Rico’s world-class artists. Designed by architect Evelio Pina, the modern interior design is replete with artistic and educational details while also underscoring a respect for the most renowned decorative traditions. An impressive commissioned lamp by famed furniture designer Diana Font brilliantly recreates the branches of a cacao tree. The beautiful murals painted by artist Néstor Otero portray the origin of cacao and its development, as well as the company history of the Cortés family. Closed-circuit screens display the process of chocolate manufacturing, while also offering some of the advertising highlights of Chocolate Cortés corporate group.

 

At the Cortés ChocoBar you will always find a varied array of gastronomic specialties, all prepared with ingredients made by our company. From light savory dishes to luscious pastries and exquisite drinks—as well as interesting Caribbean fusions conceived for the most demanding palates—everything is ingeniously created with a delicious touch of Chocolate Cortés [www.chocolatecortes.com].

 

You will also find a wide selection of our finest products to take home and enjoy whenever you wish. You can browse through beautiful gift items reflecting the two great passions of Casa Cortés—art and chocolate. Souvenirs, artworks and more can all be purchased at the Cortés ChocoBar.

 

We look forward to seeing you soon at the Cortés ChocoBar, where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable and sumptuous experience for all the senses.