In the lush, tropical valley where the Apurímac and Ene rivers meet, a quiet revolution is growing—one cacao bean at a time. This fertile region in southern Peru, known as VRAE, has become a beacon for change, shifting from a history of coca farming to a future rooted in cacao.

For generations, this region was shaped by coca cultivation. But over the past 15+ years, farmers here have worked alongside local and international organizations to build something different—something sustainable. With support in organic certification, infrastructure, and co-op development, cacao has become a catalyst for resilience, connection, and long-term economic opportunity.

We’re proud to partner with Cacao Life who has partnered with El Quinacho co-op, a collective of 255 smallholder farmers—89 of them women—who are growing ethical, transparent trade cacao with deep care for people and place.