Benefit the Environment
Cacao thrives in diverse agroforestry systems, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
Connecting chocolate professionals
with the world’s rarest cacao.
The Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) helps chocolate professionals source traceable, high-flavor cacao varieties while supporting the farmers who protect biodiversity and heritage.
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 generations.
More than a taste
“When you taste Heirloom cacao, you taste the history of entire communities — and the future they’re protecting.”
— Guittard Chocolate CompanyFounding Partner of the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund
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.
+21
Heirloom designations
certified worldwide
+11
Countries engaged
in preservation efforts
+3200
Farmers connected
through HCP
8 Steps for HCP submissions
- 1.
Farmers are carefully identified through our global network of local HCP ambassadors
- 2.
The Heirloom Designation identifies cacao varieties with exceptional flavor, genetic diversity, and cultural value. Each HCP-designated farm represents a living link between centuries of cultivation and the future of fine chocolate
- 3.
HCP local partners work directly with the farmers to improve post-harvest processes to prepare samples for submission
- 4.
Samples are sent to our partner lab for genetic and flavor analysis
- 5.
Samples that meet the HCP criteria are awarded the Heirloom Designation and added to the HCP Registry
- 6.
Farmers receive a premium price for their HCP-designated cacao, incentivizing the preservation of these exceptional varieties and supporting their livelihoods
- 7.
HCP-designated cacao is tracked through our blockchain-based traceability system, ensuring transparency and authenticity from farm to chocolate maker
- 8.
Chocolate makers can source HCP-designated cacao with confidence, knowing they are supporting biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable farming practices
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.
Stories of collaboration
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. For farmers and training on the ground creates a consistent and healthy value chain from gene to bar.
The Science Behind Heirloom Cacao
The complex boasts an energy-efficient A label, meeting sustainability standards for the years to come.
Partner Spotlight: Guittard Chocolate’s Role in Cacao Preservation
The complex boasts an energy-efficient A label, meeting sustainability standards for the years to come.
Voices from the Field: Meet the Farmers of Ecuador
The complex boasts an energy-efficient A label, meeting sustainability standards for the years to come.
Your support drives measurable impact.
HCP publishes annual reports detailing program outcomes, designations, and financial transparency. Explore how donations are invested across research, fieldwork, and farmer partnerships.
PDFFebruary 2, 2026
HCP Protocols
Review the presentations of the lead scientists of the USDA-ARS Stakeholder Workshop on April 24th, 2025 in Beltsville, MA.
VideoFebruary 3, 2026
HCP Documentary - Maya Mountain Cacao
In 2015, farmers of Maya Mountain Cacao earned Heirloom Cacao Preservation (HCP) designation for a set of farms in the villages of San Antonio, Santa Elena, and Pueblo Viejo, in the Toledo District. HCP's mission is to “identify and preserve fine flavor (“heirloom”) cacao varieties for the conservation of biological diversity and the empowerment of farming communities”.
PDFFebruary 11, 2026
The story of farmers, activists, and chocolate makers working to revive ancient cacao and protect the world’s finest flavors.
Rowan Jacobsen follows the revival of ancient wild cacao led by farmers, activists, and Indigenous leaders across the Amazon. Their work is transforming landscapes, local economies, and the future of fine chocolate.
PDFFebruary 10, 2026
Voices from the Field: Meet the Farmers of Ecuador
The complex boasts an energy-efficient A label, meeting sustainability standards for the years to come.
Frequently asked questions
