The Cacao Market is Rapidly Changing
Cacao is becoming more popular in spiritual circles, and amongst passionate chocolatiers around the world.
For decades, the economic situation regarding the price of cacao beans has been very low. So low, in fact, that many farmers were making below basic income standards, affecting their ability to invest in improving their farms and crops.
The last two years have played a pivotal role on soaring prices in the cacao market. These decisions are made in the New York and London trade markets. Prices shifted from $2000 USD per ton to $10,500 per ton in 2024, and are continuing to rise. This is very beneficial for cacao farmers, as their beans are in demand more than ever, and they will be paid more for their hard work. On the consumer side, prices will rise to access this special commodity, superfood, food of the gods… cacao.
When we visit cacao farms in Peru, we are choosing ethical farms, and we see healthy crops, clean installations, organic soil, and mature pods from ancient criollo strains. We are also aware of the challenges affecting any cacao farm on the planet. Cacao grows in very hot climates, making working conditions challenging, which requires strategic intervals of weather shifts to care for the trees.
Cacao trees can take up to 5 years to grow and produce pods. Once the trees are mature, it then takes five to six months for the cacao pods to ripen from the pollinated flowers. This is why continuous care and re-planting is required. Fertile soil and other fruit trees like banana, orange, lemon are often planted nearby to create a polyculture and provide healthy and fertile soil. Only 10% of flowers actually pollinate over hundreds of them on one tree. Cacao flowers require tiny midges insects to pollinate as each flower contains the masculine parts in the hoods, and the feminine parts in the staminodes. Hand pollination can also be done. All of the steps in providing a high quality cacao product takes great attention and dedication.
In West Africa, due to heavy rains and extreme weather conditions, cacao crops and harvests are being affected. This is a main reason for global economic shifts during this time. More disease is being spread amongst the trees, as pre-mature and late flowering lowers the chances of production, in combination with poor soils. This means that there will be more demand for cacao beans in other parts of the world.
This rapid rise in cacao prices will be beneficial for cacao farmers as they will be paid more. This supports their ability to invest in better infrastructure, organic soil modalities, and some farmers are joining cooperatives to better market their beans, as well as securing financial sources.
At Aynua Amazonas, we support 5 different family owned cacao farms, to help secure on-going harvests, while one of our experienced farmers educates cooperatives on how to grow organic and ethical beans, helping to improve the Peruvian cacao industry as a whole. Our Awajun farmers grow their beans in a pristine climate and remote area, and we value the extra effort it takes them to carry the beans hours by foot through the dense jungle.
Every energetic imprint of each phase from growth to cup, is valued and cherished. Each farm has a certain amount of beans per harvest, and our integral long standing family bonded relationship allows us to continue offering an ethical high quality cacao to our devoted clients.
We are committed to paying our farmers good prices, and will re-adjust our product prices accordingly, starting April 15, 2024.
We truly trust that the wisdom of the cacao tree is balancing and nourishing the masculine and feminine energy that the world, and each human being, holds within. It is time that the farmers of this earth, the earthkeepers, thrive on all levels, and inspire consumers to learn more about what they are eating or drinking, and for those really curious, to learn the art of growing, and caring for one of the earths greatest gifts: cacao.
Blessings from Northern Peru,
Diana & Alku
