Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund

04/09/2026

🇵🇭 This meet Malagos Chocolate: tree-to-bar chocolate-makers in Davao, Philippines. 🌱 From cultivation to post-harvest and chocolate elaboration, they carry out the whole process on-farm, using Heirloom cacao. Rex Puentespina - Malagos Chocolate farmer and chocolatier - shared that “working with Heirloom cacao gave me a deeper appreciation for the crop and the unique cacao genetics we have in the Philippines. It inspired me to learn more about cacao genetics, understand the different flavor characteristics, and appreciate the diversity of our local cacao. Being recognized as an HCP designee is an honor. It has helped us place greater focus on flavor quality, and encouraged us to improve our fermentation and drying processes to bring out the best in our cacao. It has also introduced more people around the world to the quality and unique flavors of Philippine cacao, and we are proud to be part of that.”

18/08/2026

🥭🍌🌳 Surrounded by mango, carob, orange and banana trees, we revisited the cacao farm of Don José in San Juan de Bigote, Peru. 🌎 We’ve been working together for the last two years to help optimise post-harvest processes to reach Heirloom quality of their special cacao. Don José carried on the legacy of this farm from his father-in-law, and has been awarded nationally for the quality the cacao boasts. We look forward to finding the best processing methods for Don José and his family to finally join our network of Heirloom cacao producers.

14/08/2026

❤️ This , discover To’ak Chocolate, bringing Ecuadorian Heirloom cacao to chocolate lovers across the world: “To’ak began when three friends from different parts of the world (Austria, the USA and Ecuador) came together around a shared belief that the world’s most extraordinary cacaos deserved to be rediscovered and celebrated. 🌎 What started as a passion project has grown into a long-term commitment to preserving Ecuador’s rare ‘Nacional’ cacao and demonstrating that exceptional craftsmanship and origin can create meaningful value for both people and nature.

🤝 “Over the past decade, we’ve worked closely with farming communities to identify and protect some of Ecuador’s oldest and rarest cacao trees while producing small-batch chocolate that expresses their unique terroir. 🌳 Along the way, our work has expanded beyond chocolate to include genetic preservation, regenerative agroforestry, biodiversity conservation, and long-term partnerships with cacao-growing families. Today, To’ak chocolates are enjoyed in more than 60 countries, but our mission remains rooted in the forests and farming communities where this remarkable cacao grows.” ✨ Thank you To'ak for your valuable (and delicious) work, and for forming part of our network of excellent chocolatiers.

11/08/2026

🇵🇪 ¡Gracias, Perú! 🛵 Over two weeks, our team travelled to remote cacao plantations across Peru to meet with Heirloom cacao producers, build relations with aspiring farmers, and engage the cacao and chocolate community in trainings. 🥰 It was wonderful to see progress in the production and reach of fine-quality Heirloom cacao. 🙏 Thank you to all those who hosted us, who are leading the way in Heirloom cacao, and who continue to prove the value of our work. 🎊 ¡Hasta pronto!

07/08/2026

✨ This meet Caputo's Market: One of our close, long-term collaborators: “At Caputo’s, our mission is to preserve the food traditions of our collective ancestors. Few foods embody that mission more than Heirloom cacao, which is not only capable of producing some of the world’s most extraordinary chocolate, but also supports the communities who steward these rare genetic treasures. 🌱 The impact extends far beyond flavor, touching biodiversity, cultural heritage, sustainability, and the future of cacao itself.

🤝 “When we first learned about HCP, we were immediately drawn to its purpose. For more than a decade, our partnership has included fundraising through our annual chocolate festival and ongoing advocacy for HCP’s mission. Along the way, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing how Heirloom cacao creates value throughout the supply chain—from the meticulous farmers, to choosy producers who insist on supporting it, to the discerning customers who seek it out. Preserving something rare today ensures that future generations can experience it tomorrow. Caputo’s is honored to be a part of this legacy.”

Thank you Caputo's Market for your wonderful, ongoing support of our work and mission, and your tangible contribution to HCP’s impact!

04/08/2026

✨After two weeks of field visits with cacao farmers across her homeland of Peru, reflects on the most rewarding part of her work: building a connection with the producers and seeing their work grow.

03/08/2026

31/07/2026

This we’re exploring the potentials of fine flavor in Tumbes, Perú!

Our in country liaison and cacao expert Mey Choy and Alyssa, HCP’s Executive Director, join forces with a local cooperative in the area to consult on our ongoing project of identifying and developing the finest flavors that Peru has to offer. Mey has been working closely with farmers and cooperatives since 2024 to enhance flavor profiles and prepare submissions to the HCP for flavor and genetic analyses. Follow along from the boarder of Ecuador into the thick of amazonas, to the high mountains of Ayacucho!

23/07/2026

🇵🇪 🥳 “¡Cacao peruano, sabor que inspira al mundo!” 📸 Some snapshots from the joyful Salón del Cacao y Chocolate in Lima, Peru! 👏 .cacao .pe .peru .a.c.altourubamba

17/07/2026

🍫🍋 “As bean-to-bar chocolate makers, working with Heirloom cacao allows us to showcase unique flavor profiles while supporting the preservation of exceptional cacao varieties and the farmers who cultivate them. 🏆 Heirloom cacao has played an important role in helping us create distinctive, award-winning chocolates that highlight origin and craftsmanship”. 🌎 Based in Arazona, USA, are chocolatemakers who support their local food economy by using native ingredients such as prickly pears and saguaro fruit, as well as locally harvested honey, cream and citrus to create high-quality confections inspired by the traditional food cultures that have existed in the region for thousands of years.