Benefit the Environment
Cacao thrives in diverse agroforestry systems, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
Your contribution protects
the roots of cacao.
Every donation to the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund supports farmers, scientists, and chocolate makers working to safeguard the world’s most exceptional cacao varieties for generations to come.
Support through taste
You can support biodiversity every time you choose Heirloom chocolate.
Each bar made with certified Heirloom cacao contributes to fair income for farmers and helps preserve rare cacao genetics.
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
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.
Production in Peru
Looking forward, Mey has plans to visit the VRAEM region in August to continue our training with the HCP guide and assist new producers in preparing cacao bean samples for shipment. We will also continue to search for and train more producer.
The Science Behind Heirloom Cacao
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.
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.
Your support drives mesurable impact
HCP publishes annual reports detailing program outcomes, designations, and financial transparency. Explore how donations are invested across research, fieldwork, and farmer partnerships.
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 2, 2026
HCP Protocols
Review the presentations of the lead scientists of the USDA-ARS Stakeholder Workshop on April 24th, 2025 in Beltsville, MA.
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.
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”.
