Unlocking native cacao genetic diversity for resilient and differentiated value chains in Ecuador and Peru

Between 2022 and 2025, the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT, with KAOKA (France), INIAP-Ecuador, INIA-Perú, CECAO Cooperative, and Cooperativa Agraria Colpa de Loros, supported the collection and characterization of native cacao diversity in Peru’s Ucayali region. Through field expeditions and germplasm development, the initiative addressed the narrow genetic base of monoclonal production systems by establishing a documented and conserved set of local cacao genetic resources, laying the groundwork for future selection and breeding efforts.