Machu Picchu in cacao and chocolate joins the new celebration of October 1st of every year

Starting this year, every October 1st will celebrate in Peru the day of Cacao and Chocolate in adhesion to a agreement made our years ago in Berlin, Germany, at a meeting of the International Cacao Organization (ICCO).

A resolution by the Ministry of Agriculture, published in the official gazette El Peruano said that this will raise consumer awareness for chocolate makers and the need for cacao production should be adequately and sustainably.

Adds that this decision is based on the fact that cocoa farmers around the world ensure a production of three million tons of this input, essential for the production of chocolate, but mostly, this is not developed properly, which could constitute a risk of shortage of cacao.

The institution of this celebration was a request of the Peruvian Association Cacao Growers, which represents 60% of farmers engaged in this sector in different parts of the country.

"Instituting this day means to promote conservation, rational and sustainable use, protection of the cacao as well as consumption of a product and its benefits in terms of human health, environment, employment generation and biodiversity, "says the resolution.

In Peru produced 500 thousand tons of cacao growing 77 000 hectares in 16 regions. This production generates approximately 5.5 million days and $ 90 million in exports, benefiting some 30 000 families directly and indirectly about 150 thousand people.