Benefit the Environment
Cacao thrives in diverse agroforestry systems, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
The Story
Behind Heirloom Cacao.
Since 2012, the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) has worked to protect the world’s finest and most flavorful cacao — linking farmers, scientists, and chocolate makers to preserve biodiversity and strengthen farming communities.
Rooted in Preservation. Built for the Future
Launched in partnership with the USDA-ARS and the Fine Chocolate Industry Association, the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in response to the urgent threats facing rare cacao varieties — from climate change and deforestation to economic pressure on farming communities.
Today, HCP supports ethical farming, provides field training and sensory education, and helps farmers achieve Heirloom Designation — the gold standard for fine-flavor cacao.
The preservation of the finest chocolate is all about cacao sustainability. Ensuring the survival of exceptional cacao bio-diversity safeguards the future of the industry, and assists with economic, social, and environmental benefits to farmers and their communities.
HCP programs provide educational materials to farmers to help them understand the value of their cacao and how to preserve it.
Each bar made with certified Heirloom cacao contributes to fair income for farmers and helps preserve rare cacao genetics.
Preserve
the Potential of Cacao
Once designated Heirloom, our farmers have a full library of resources and access to a full network of the craft chocolate industry to get better prices and maintain flavor quality standards for their exceptional beans.
Identify
the Potential of Cacao
Through bursary sponsorship and grant funding from USDA and the Lesley Family Foundation, we work with local cacao consultants and engineers in-region to help farmers submit samples to the HCP for genetic and flavor analysis for potential Heirloom designation.
Discover
the Potential of Cacao
HCP works directly with local partners to help farmers recognize the genetic, cultural, and economic value of their cacao — teaching them how to assess quality, improve practices, and unlock opportunity.
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The People Behind the Preservation
From on-the-ground trainers to global partners, our team leads the effort to protect heirloom cacao biodiversity and strengthen farming communities.
Meet the people shaping preservation, advancing research, and supporting farming communities worldwide.
Why Heirloom
Cacao Matters?
Heirloom and indigenous species of cacao bring ecological, economic, and social value to communities worldwide.
Cacao is primarily grown by small-scale farmers in tropical regions — where it can represent up to one-third of a family’s annual income.
Farmer Education
For farmers and training on the ground creates a consistent and healthy value chain from gene to bar.
Empower Farmers
To protect their cultural heritage and forests while adopting best practices in cacao farming to reach a higher earning potential.
Educate Consumers
On the taste of real, delicious chocolate made from Heirloom cacao through our broad network of craft chocolate makers, chocolatiers and retailers worldwide.
Encourage Participation
Of the local population in the preservation of their cacao and its heritage for future.
The impact of preservation.
The Heirloom Cacao Designation is more than a recognition — it’s a scientific and cultural commitment to protecting cacao’s finest genetics and flavor diversity. Recognized by the USDA and supported by a global network of farmers and chocolate makers, HCP works to safeguard varieties that define the heritage of fine chocolate.
By choosing Heirloom cacao, you support sustainable farming, biodiversity, and the preservation of the world’s most exceptional flavors.
+21Heirloom designations
certified worldwide
certified worldwide
+11Countries engaged
in preservation efforts
in preservation efforts
+3200Farmers connected
through HCP
through HCP
Mapping the originsof Heirloom cacao worldwide.
Across 11 countries, HCP collaborates with farmers and partners to identify and protect the world’s most remarkable cacao varieties — the roots of chocolate as we know it.
Want to know more?
