16:25 | Lima, Oct. 01 (ANDINA).
Peru is the second largest producer of organic cacao and accounts for 60% of the existing cacao varieties; housing an incredible biodiversity and genetic variability, said Monday the Ministry of Agriculture (Minag).
Peru is one of the nations with the highest quality cacao production, which reached up to 56,500 tons in 2011, generating about 5.7 million annual wages, and directly benefiting more than 30,000 families and 150,000 people indirectly.
The economic and social importance of the cacao chain lies in its contribution to the gross production value, which last year was 130 million soles.
Peru's cacao exports and all its derivates amounted to 118.7 million dollars in 2011, with a total production of 33,180 tonnes, while the main destination markets were the United States, Europe and the Andean Community (CAN).
Peru has been qualified by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) as a producer and exporter of high-quality and aromatic cocoa, being able to export 36 percent of world-wide production of this product.
The Peruvian Cocoa and Chocolate Day is celebrated today for the first time ever. This product has been recently declared a Natural Heritage of the Nation.
(END) JPC/JPC/LOG/LVT
Published: 10/1/2012