The international price of cocoa — the processed form of cacao beans — rose from about $2,500 a ton in 2023 to a record high of $12,931 per ton in December. But as of Wednesday, cocoa futures were at $5,625 per ton.. File Photo by Emmanuel Adegboye/EPA
Peru became the top global winner at the International Chocolate Awards with its “El Ganso 70%” bar, made with cacao from the Junín region in the central part of the country.
The recognition places Peru at the genetic and cultural epicenter of cacao worldwide.
Considered the “Chocolate Oscars,” the competition is organized by an international network of experts in cacao, gastronomy and sensory analysis. The contest is held in regional phases. The Latin American round was held in April, and the World Final was this week in Florence, Italy.
The winning bar, produced by the brand Cacaosuyo, received the Overall Winner award, the competition’s top honor. Its fruity, floral profile with deep cacao notes impressed an international jury of tasters, chefs and culinary experts.
The cacao used in “El Ganso 70%” comes from Junín, a region of exceptional biodiversity where native varieties with high genetic value are grown. According to Samir Giha, founder of Cacaosuyo, “Peru is the world’s genetic center of cacao, with more varieties than any other country.”
More than 3,500 chocolate samples from around the world were evaluated in the competition. Latin America had a strong showing, with products from at least 10 countries.
Colombia stood out with artisanal bars from regions known for their traceability and fruity, floral profiles. Mexico, meanwhile, presented bean-to-bar chocolates made with criollo cacao from Chiapas and Tabasco, which earned awards in the regional phase for their deep flavor and respect for tradition.
Ecuador reaffirmed its international reputation with chocolates made from its emblematic “Arriba Nacional” cacao, earning distinctions in the dark chocolate and single-origin categories.
Brazil surprised with innovative entries from the Amazon that combined sustainability with sensory creativity, while Venezuela competed with Chuao and Carenero beans, winning medals for the depth and elegance of its dark chocolates.
Peru’s victory comes at a pivotal moment. The international price of cocoa — the processed form of cacao beans — rose from about $2,500 a ton in 2023 to a record high of $12,931 per ton in December. But as of Wednesday, cocoa futures were at $5,625 per ton.
Still, the increase has restored profitability to the crop, improved conditions for small producers and opened new export opportunities.
The international recognition is boosting the bean-to-bar model, which promotes traceability, fair trade and sensory quality. Countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, China and Japan are the main destinations for Peruvian chocolate, strengthening its global presence.
The global chocolate market is expanding, driven by rising demand for artisanal, ethical and origin-specific products. Today’s consumers are seeking authentic sensory experiences, a trend that has benefited Latin American countries with fine and criollo cacaos.
