16:29 | Cusco (Cusco region), Feb. 17.
Peruvian Ivan Mejia is a Cusco-born artist who turned his talent for craft and love for chocolate into a way to spread his country's culture through edible sculptures.
"As an artist, I always wanted to create a different offer, so I decided to promote Peruvian culture and Cusco's Chuncho cacao through chocolate sculptures, thus generating a greater socio-economic impact," he said.
A native of San Blas neighborhood in
Cusco, Mejia comes from a family of artisans. He began making stone sculptures and colonial imagery at the age of 8.
However, he founded Kontiti in 2017 as he sought a new business venture.
"Kontiti involves history, art, and
chocolate. It has been well-received by the public since the launch of its first product. Tourists buy our chocolates to show their family and friends what Peru is like," the craftsman added.
The most popular flavors are the Maras salt chocolate fusion, the xylitol sweetened chocolate (for diabetics), and the chocolates with fruits like kiwi and passion fruit.
"The top selling products are the chocolate 3D Machu Picchu, llamas, and guinea pigs. Children love them," the Peruvian entrepreneur said.
Likewise, Ivan's work was recognized by the Ministry of Production (Produce), which provided him with technical support to implement its processing plant in San Sebastian district (Cusco region).
(END) NDP/MAO/MTS/RMB
Published: 2/17/2020