Chuncho

Peru

CHUNCHO

Native Chuncho cacao from the VRAEM region of Peru, offering a warm, spiced, dessert-driven profile with a clean, approachable structure.

NOTE: Transparency data in the section above (2023 data) is for the cooperative Alto Urubamba. The 2025 data (coming soon!) will cover Cacao VRAE.

These beans are sourced through the Cacao VRAE association, based in Kimbiri in Peru’s VRAEM region (Valle de los Ríos Apurímac, Ene y Mantaro).

“Chuncho” refers to a diverse group of native cacao genetics found in southern Peru, often characterized by smaller beans with highly expressive flavor profiles.

Cacao VRAE works with approximately 300 smallholder producers across the region, including around 30 producers focused on Chuncho cacao in the Chungui zone.

This cacao is grown between 400–900 meters above sea level across multiple river valleys, where tropical conditions and diverse microclimates support a wide range of native cacao types.

In recent years, producers participated in the “Transforming the VRAEM: The Land of Fine Flavor Cacao” program, supported by USAID and implemented by Lutheran World Relief, focused on improving post-harvest practices and market access.

Cacao VRAE continues this work through centralized fermentation and drying. As development programs have phased out, long-term commercial relationships have become essential. Uncommon Cacao partners directly with the association to support continued market access and a transparent supply chain.

Download 2023 Chuncho Transparency Data

TERROIR

The VRAEM region is increasingly recognized for producing fine flavor cacao with strong structure and distinctive regional character.

While Chuncho cacao from southern Peru is often associated with bright fruit and floral notes, this lot reflects a more grounded and structured expression of the genetics, shaped by the specific conditions of the VRAEM.

Centralized post-harvest practices contribute to a clean and consistent profile, with low bitterness and low astringency allowing sweetness and spice to come forward.

Flavor Profile:
Chocolate cake · Brown sugar · Gingerbread · Cinnamon graham cracker
Raisin · Fig · Peach · Orange blossom · Vanilla

The result is a warm, dessert-driven cacao with layered spice, soft fruit, and a smooth, rounded finish.

NOTE: Transparency data in the section above (2023 data) is for the cooperative Alto Urubamba. The 2025 data (coming soon!) will cover Cacao VRAE.

These beans are sourced through the Cacao VRAE association, based in Kimbiri in Peru’s VRAEM region (Valle de los Ríos Apurímac, Ene y Mantaro).

“Chuncho” refers to a diverse group of native cacao genetics found in southern Peru, often characterized by smaller beans with highly expressive flavor profiles.

Cacao VRAE works with approximately 300 smallholder producers across the region, including around 30 producers focused on Chuncho cacao in the Chungui zone.

This cacao is grown between 400–900 meters above sea level across multiple river valleys, where tropical conditions and diverse microclimates support a wide range of native cacao types.

In recent years, producers participated in the “Transforming the VRAEM: The Land of Fine Flavor Cacao” program, supported by USAID and implemented by Lutheran World Relief, focused on improving post-harvest practices and market access.

Cacao VRAE continues this work through centralized fermentation and drying. As development programs have phased out, long-term commercial relationships have become essential. Uncommon Cacao partners directly with the association to support continued market access and a transparent supply chain.

Download 2023 Chuncho Transparency Data

TERROIR

The VRAEM region is increasingly recognized for producing fine flavor cacao with strong structure and distinctive regional character.

While Chuncho cacao from southern Peru is often associated with bright fruit and floral notes, this lot reflects a more grounded and structured expression of the genetics, shaped by the specific conditions of the VRAEM.

Centralized post-harvest practices contribute to a clean and consistent profile, with low bitterness and low astringency allowing sweetness and spice to come forward.

Flavor Profile:
Chocolate cake · Brown sugar · Gingerbread · Cinnamon graham cracker
Raisin · Fig · Peach · Orange blossom · Vanilla

The result is a warm, dessert-driven cacao with layered spice, soft fruit, and a smooth, rounded finish.

Order Sample

Samples are only available from the USA

Wholesale Orders

Order Sample

Samples are only available from the USA

Wholesale Orders

2023 Chuncho Farmgate price

$2.52 USD

This is the actual price paid to the cacao producer for their product (typically on a per kg or per lb basis) when they sell it to the first buyer.

Farmgate price is often paid for "wet" or fresh cacao, recently harvested and scooped out of cracked pods for sale. Wet cacao loses 60-70% of its weight during fermentation and drying, typically reaching 7-8% humidity before it is sold.

Uncommon calculates farmgate price for each cacao supplier based on the specific weight loss conversion percentage provided to us by the supplier, and we report farmgate price on a per kg dried equivalent basis for all cacao beans we source.

2023 Chuncho FOB price

$5.00 USD

This is the price paid by Uncommon to our partners for cacao transported and loaded onto a ship for export.

Uncommon then covers all of the costs of shipping, freight charges, insurance, import, domestic logistics, warehouse ingestion, customs and duties.

Free on board (FOB) is an international shipping term that represents the seller's responsibility for bringing the cacao over the rails of the export ship.

2023 Chuncho Average sales price

$9.52 USD

This is the weighted average price per kg for cacao sold to the premium & ultra premium chocolate makers who purchased it during this year from Uncommon Cacao.