Peruvian exports of cacao and its derivatives exceeded US$530 million between January and May of this year, a 77% increase compared to the same period in 2024,
Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Desilu Leon reported.
Remarks were made during the inauguration of the 16th Cacao and Chocolate Salon 2025, which is taking place at Lima Convention Center from July 17 to 20.
The promotional and commercial event was attended by Production Minister Sergio Gonzalez; the chairman of the Peruvian Association of Cacao Producers (APPCACAO), and of the event's organizing committee, Anaximandro Rojas; as well as other national and regional authorities.
"This dynamism is due to the growth in both prices, which increased by 79%, and export volumes, which rose by 45%," the Peruvian government official explained.
The Cabinet member indicated that Peruvian cacao has reached more than 70 international markets, with the European Union being one of its main destinations (35%), followed by the United States (22%), Malaysia (9%), and Indonesia (8%).
In Latin America alone, Peruvian cacao exports have entered the markets of Chile, Mexico, and Brazil.
"Peru has managed to position itself as a supplier of fine aroma cacao, offering products such as beans, butter, powder, and high-quality chocolate," Minister Leon emphasized.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by the Ucayali Region Governor Manuel Gambini and Deputy Foreign Trade Minister Teresa Mera.
Path to Export
Minister Leon also inaugurated the Productive Export Route (RPE) pavilion, where 10 beneficiary organizations and companies from Cusco, Huanuco, San Martin, Madre de Dios, Junin, Pasco, Ayacucho, and Amazonas regions are offering visitors products such as cacao paste, chocolate bars, butter, nibs, cacao mucilage syrup, coated products, and bonbons, among others.
"Through this initiative, we have provided training and technical assistance to organizations and MSMEs in the cacao value chain across 11 regions of the country, benefiting more than 15,000 Peruvian families," she explained.
The
RPE is a multisectoral strategy that involves the participation of 14 State-run institutions, as well as the support of the SeCompetitivo Program of the Swiss Economic Cooperation (SECO), implemented by Helvetas Peru.
The Cacao and Chocolate Salon has been held since 2010. It brings together cacao producers and exporters, allowing the public to discover a wide range of cacao-based products. The current edition features 200 stands and is expected to welcome 28,000 visitors.
Published: 7/18/2025