Mapping Peru’s cacao diversity strengthens premium markets and positions it as a global center

Through genetic analysis of thousands of cacao samples from Latin America, experts from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT demonstrated that most fine-flavor cacao genetic groups originate in Peru. Collecting over 6000 samples from farmers’ fields and the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the work mapped cacao diversity, informed national policy, and supported the establishment of field genebanks. It also analyzed the importance of differential pricing for high-quality cacao, strengthening Peru’s position in high-value cacao markets and origin-based branding, with the potential to ensure better incomes for smallholder farmers.