The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation announced on May 2 the launch of the II International Cacao Excellence Fair of Peru (FICACAO 2026), scheduled for September 3 to 6 in Quillabamba, Cusco. The event will highlight native cacao varieties, with a focus on ‘Cacao Chuncho,’ which is recognized internationally for its aroma and flavor.
The ministry said the fair aims to position La Convención province as a center for specialty cacao in Peru. According to the announcement, ‘the fair seeks to consolidate La Convención province as the epicenter of specialty cacao in Peru.’
Cacao production plays an important role in Peruvian agriculture. The crop supports more than 100,000 families across sixteen regions and produces about 170,000 tons annually. In exports, shipments reached nearly $1.5 billion in 2025, making cacao one of the country’s leading agricultural export products alongside blueberries, grapes, mangoes and avocados.
Institutional support was formalized through Ministerial Resolution No. 0148-2026-MIDAGRI. The ministry said FICACAO 2026 will not only serve as a commercial platform but also strengthen environmental sustainability and access to premium markets in Europe and the United States.
The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation promotes cultural and social well-being through rural inclusion and food security efforts according to the official website. It operates from its central headquarters in Jesús María along with decentralized offices throughout Peru according to the official website. The ministry functions within Peru’s Executive Branch according to the official website.
Efforts are underway by the ministry to advance sustainable agricultural development strategies that include rural social inclusion initiatives according to the official website. The institution serves agricultural producers and rural communities nationwide according to the official website, while supporting legislative initiatives by issuing regulations that strengthen sustainable agriculture according to the official website.
