Projects

Building expertise through chocolate workshop in Peru

Entrepreneurship

Building expertise through chocolate workshop in Peru

The Regional Government of San Martín (GORESAM) has joined forces with the regional cacao union and the National University of San Martín to organise a chocolate workshop in collaboration with PUM. This workshop, focused on basic chocolate-making skills, enables local chocolatiers to sustainably transfer expertise in the future.

San Martín is a region rich in resources, with its strongest industries including cacao, coffee, and exotic fruits. However, the lack of professional studies in chocolate making at university or institute level, created a need to train chocolatiers in the area. In response, the Regional Government of San Martín (GORESAM) joined forces with the regional cacao union (Mesa Técnica Cacao San Martín) and the National University of San Martín. As part of their “Exportable Offer Project” they approached PUM to develop a chocolate workshop in the Peruvian jungle.

PUM expert Karl Vandermeersch was matched with the project and prepared an extensive workshop. On the other hand, the National University of San Martín provided the materials and facilities. Twelve chocolatiers from different SMEs and cooperatives, most of whom were from the region, registered for the workshop.

 The facilities at the National University of San Martín were in very good condition, and the workshop was carried out properly. Participants learned about chocolate formulations, creating bars with different percentages, achieving the appropriate fineness, texture and tempering. They also made bonbons, pralines, worked with ganaches and caramel, and finally learned chocolate painting techniques. The participants used quality Belcolade brand professional chocolate provided, by the company Puratos, as recommended by the expert Karl.

Eduardo Huiman

PUM representative

“Thanks to this project, with GORESAM as a PUM partner, this chocolate workshop in the Peruvian jungle of Tarapoto was made possible. The participating companies were satisfied and very happy with what they learned, and now understand the importance of continuing this professional training for the future of chocolatiers in the entire San Martín region. Through their collaboration with PUM, they have opened their eyes to what they are capable of achieving, and can now see the great results they can produce.”

Impact

This project was fundamental for supporting the entire cacao ecosystem, since many cacao producers are gradually entering the chocolate market. They recognise the need to add value to their raw material and move beyond being just suppliers to other companies. In this way, they can become main actors in the region, overseeing both the agricultural side (planting/harvesting/cacao beans) and the processing (chocolates, bonbons and other derivatives) in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.

All participants successfully completed the workshop, and now possess a standard level of knowledge and quality. With that base and further experience, they will be able to continue the teaching-learning process in a sustainable way in the future.