During a recent visit to the fifth edition of the Biodiversity Fair organised by the Peruvian Ministry of Environment, Rainforest Foundation UK’s Peru Coordinator, Daniela Velit, had the opportunity to catch up in Lima with Felixto Cabanillas, the president of our partner, Kemito Ene, an Indigenous cooperative that represents hundreds of Asháninka cocoa producers in Peru. RFUK works with Kemito Ene to support Asháninka families produce sustainable, organic cocoa and sell it to international markets to enhance their livelihoods while preserving their ancestral forests.  

Over a shared lunch at his exhibition stand, we delved into the cooperative's exciting lineup of upcoming events and competitions. Among the highlights discussed were Kemito Ene’s participation in prestigious fairs such as the renowned Salon del Cacao y Chocolate, the ExpoAmazónica and the esteemed Ficafé. However, one event that particularly piqued our interest was a prestigious contest for the best quality cocoa. This competition could potentially lead to a grand finale in the culinary capital of Paris later this year. 

With a palpable sense of optimism, Felixto shared his confidence in Kemito Ene's chances of success. This accolade not only underscores the exceptional quality of cocoa cultivated in Junín but also serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the region's small producers. 

As we bid farewell to Felixto, we couldn't help but feel inspired by his and Kemito Ene’s passion and commitment. Their pursuit of excellence in cocoa production contributes to preserving biodiversity and plays a vital role in uplifting local communities and showcasing the richness of Peru's culinary heritage on the global stage. 

For more information about RFUK’s work in Peru, please click here.