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.
Benefit the Environment
Cacao thrives in diverse agroforestry systems, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
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
"Heirloom cacao is a gastronomic and historical revival of flavor and aroma. It's a living relic of human and plant interactions from the ancient past brought forward in the form of the most joyful finest tasting chocolate experiences imaginable."
— Jacob MarlonExecutive Director of the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE)
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 fine flavor chocolate.
Stories of collaboration
The HCP is focused on working with local implementing partners on the ground to provide training and educational resources for farmers to grow and improve their crops. We have long-standing collaborations with world-renowned chocolate makers and the genetics laboratory at the USDA to make our mission possible.
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.
Partner Spotlight: The United States Department of Agriculture
While the sensory profile of a cacao bean tells us how it tastes, its DNA tells us what it truly is. The Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) relies on a rigorous scientific foundation to identify rare varieties, and at the core of this effort is the Sustainability and Perennial Crops Lab at the USDA in Beltsville, Maryland.
Wild Cacao Could Die Out. We Can’t Let It.
Caputo's Market and Deli located in SLC, UT, is a specialty food market and deli, focused on protecting and preserving the food traditions of the world's collective ancestors.
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.
VideoOctober 21, 2024
HCP Technical Training Series
The HCP developed instructional training videos at Kamananui Research Center on Oahu in Hawaii, which covers the full production process of Heirloom cacao. These are detailed technical training videos that farmers may access at any time, which will instruct them on pivotal production processes. In 2025, the HCP will host a live webinar to provide opportunity for farmers to ask questions directly to the field experts. The objective of the webinar is to create a space to nurture relationships between designees, and potential designees, and facilitate connections between them and industry experts. The training videos are an evergreen visual resource in three languages; English, Spanish and French. Each section covered is broken down into a detailed technical training video series that farmers may access at any time which will instruct them on pivotal production processes. This full library of training videos was recorded at Kamananui Research Center and Farm on Oahu, Hawai'i.
VideoJuly 11, 2024
Preservation in Peru
You followed us for over 2,000 km on our first Discovery Expedition where we embarked on a journey throughout Mexico and Guatemala's vibrant cacao regions. The Lesley Family Foundation has made it possible for us to continue our research in Peru. Local expert, Mey Choy Paz is leading us on a captivating exploration of farms, cooperatives, and lush forests where interesting cacao varieties are tucked away, beckoning us. The HCP’s experienced videographer, Alyssa D’Adamo is documenting this experience through compelling writing and visual storytelling, and will be sharing live updates via social media. Our mission is multifaceted. We'll meet with cacao farmers, listen to their stories, and immerse ourselves in the unique traditions of each family and region. But that's just the beginning. With local guidance and expertise, we'll be on the lookout for rare cacao varieties with the potential to become exquisite fine-flavor chocolate. We'll delve into proper fermentation techniques, gather valuable resources, and create educational guides for both farmers and retailers. Most importantly, we'll forge lasting connections with the heart of the industry – the passionate farmers who make it all possible. This expedition is about celebrating their dedication and understanding the essence of what drives us.
PDFOctober 10, 2022
The Review of Cacao Germplasm Movements
Cacao is an important tree crop impacting on livelihoods of millions of farming families in tropical and sub-tropical countries worldwide. This review serves to help conserve cocoa genetic diversity by identifying places for in situ collection and germplasm collection for ex situ genebanks.
PDFJune 5, 2025
Producer's Guide to Fine Flavor
HCP Ambassador Natalia Aristizabal attended an intensive training at the Cocoa of Excellence lab in Rome in order to create a guide for farmers to be able to analyze the flavor of their cacao. The HCP uses this guide when performing in-person trainings on the ground.
PDFJune 1, 2025
HCP Technical Nursery Guide
Technical nursery guide for cacao management.
Frequently asked questions
