As part of the "International Cocoa Day" celebrations, the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) announced that Peru remains the world's eighth-largest exporter of cacao beans, driven mainly by small-scale producers from the Amazon regions.
Cacao is the fifth most important product among Peru's agricultural exports, following blueberries, grapes, avocados, and coffee.
The date was established by the International Cocoa Producers Organization and the French Academy of Master Chocolatiers and Confectioners, which granted this distinction in recognition of the importance and value of cacao in gastronomy and culture, especially in Peru.
Peru is a center of origin of cacao and holds great genetic diversity, with native varieties such as Blanco from Piura, Nacional Puro from San Ignacio, Marañon from Jaen, Chuncho from Cusco, and Montaña from Junin.
These are recognized as Fine and Flavor Cacao varieties, known for their high commercial value and sustainability in the international market.
Cacao is a key pillar of Peru's agricultural exports. In 2024 alone, exports of cacao and its derivatives reached 160,000 tons, generating $1.28 billion in revenue.
The successful performance of cacao in the market was mainly due to the rise in international prices, which ranged from $5,000 to $12,500 per ton.
The main markets for Peruvian cacao included the United States —which last year became the leading buyer— along with Malaysia, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Likewise, cacao production involves nearly 90,000 small-scale family farmers located across 16 regions of the country.
The main cacao-producing regions include San Martin, which ranks as the leading regional producer, followed by Junin, Ucayali, Huanuco, and Cusco. Together, these five regions account for 86% of total production.
Additionally, Supreme Decree No. 017-2022-MIDAGRI approved the National Plan for the Cocoa and Chocolate Value Chain through 2030.
With this vision, Peru is recognized for its high-quality supply of cacao and chocolate, especially fine varieties of sustainable origin.
(END) NDP/CNA/MVB
Published: 7/7/2025