Launched in 2012 in partnership with the USDA and the Fine Chocolate Industry Association, the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) formed in response to the global pressures of environmental change, deforestation, and economic influences threatening the world’s supply of high quality, flavorful cacao. Recognizing these endangered cacao trees are the foundation for not only delicious chocolate but also the livelihood of many farmers and farming communities, the HCP is the first initiative to identify and map the world of high quality, flavor cacao and certify growers of these endangered trees. As a nonprofit organization, the HCP is committed to improving the lives of the farmers who assist us in protecting and preserving cacao diversity and the chocolate they produce. We are proud to be guided by the following values:

  Planet:  Heirloom cacaos often grow within agroforestry environments, inter-cropped with abundant diversity, naturally helping to ensure sustainability. Preserving these unique species reflects our larger commitment to biodiversity protection and ensuring future generations can enjoy great tasting chocolate.

Prosperity;  Thanks to discerning consumers, heirloom chocolate flourishes well above commodity prices so more revenue flows back to the source of the cacao – the farmers.

People: Heirloom chocolate connects people all the way from the source in the tropics to the stores in town. It goes from gene-to-bar and unwraps the possibilities for the millions of worldwide who believe life without the very best chocolate is no life at all.