The 2024 Salon du Chocolat in Paris: A Triumph for Peruvian Cocoa

Producers from six regions of Peru—Huánuco, Junín, Ayacucho, Cusco, San Martín, and Puno—stood out by winning 40 of the 93 medals awarded during the fourth edition of the 2024 AVPA International Cocoa and Chocolate Awards. This achievement underscores the exceptional quality of Peruvian cocoa and its growing reputation as one of the best in the world.

The Salon du Chocolat is recognized as a key platform for showcasing cocoa and chocolate excellence on the international market. Organized by the Agency for the Valuation of Agricultural Products (AVPA), the event brought together participants from over 20 countries across Africa, America, and Asia, positioning Peru as a key player in the global cocoa sector. With 40 medals won, Peru reaffirms its leadership in the production of high-quality chocolates.

Among the top winners at this event, companies from Huánuco and Junín left an indelible mark. The brand Diha from Tingo María (Huánuco) won a gold medal for its 65% cocoa chocolate with lemongrass, as well as a silver medal for its 70% bitter chocolate. Meanwhile, Pangoa from Satipo (Junín) earned silver and bronze medals for its 68% and 69% cocoa chocolates, respectively, highlighting the versatility and high quality of cocoa from these regions.

Rosario Pajuelo, Economic and Commercial Counselor of PromPerú in Paris, commented on the achievement of the Peruvian delegations: "Our country, through its producer organizations and SMEs from various regions, reaffirms its international leadership not only as a cocoa producer but also as a producer of value-added chocolate bars."

In addition to Huánuco and Junín, other regions of Peru also garnered significant recognition. Cusco, with its renowned Chuncho cocoa, shone with Manari, which won a gold medal for its 95% Chuncho cocoa chocolate. Similarly, Royal Raymi from Ayacucho received a silver medal for its Chocodark chocolate. Various producers from Cusco, including Pumatiy, Aprochok, Conveca, Campos del Valle, Barberis, and K’Piros, earned medals in various categories, reaffirming the excellence of their products.

A standout case was that of Pumatiy from La Convención, Cusco, which won silver medals for its 70% chocolate with Andean corn sprinkles and bronze for its white Chuncho chocolate (Chocolate Results, 2024). Similarly, Campos del Valle from Pichari, Cusco, earned a bronze medal for its innovative 73% chocolate with orange (Chocolate Results, 2024). These awards reflect the diversity and richness of Peruvian cocoa, which manifests in multiple styles and varieties.

Peru’s success at the 2024 Salon du Chocolat would not have been possible without the support of PromPerú. Through its Commercial Office in Paris and regional offices, PromPerú coordinated the participation of 11 cocoa and chocolate producers from Amazonas, Ayacucho, Cusco, Huánuco, Junín, Lima, and Piura. Additionally, it set up a Peruvian stand where producers could display and sell their products to international buyers, creating new business opportunities and strengthening Peru’s image as a cocoa powerhouse.

In recent years, Peruvian cocoa has experienced remarkable growth, establishing itself as one of the country’s leading value-added export products. Regions such as Huánuco, Junín, and Cusco are at the forefront of this trend, driving the growth of the cocoa industry in Peru and positioning the country as one of the largest producers of fine-flavor cocoa in the world.

The outstanding performance of Peruvian producers in Paris, with multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals, reaffirms that Peruvian cocoa not only competes but leads in quality and flavor in the most demanding markets. The Peruvian Chamber of Coffee and Cocoa celebrates this achievement, proud of the national producers whose hard work and dedication continue to elevate the reputation of Peruvian cocoa on the global stage.