Most cacao on the global market today comes from hybridized strains like CCN-51—engineered for higher yield and disease resistance. While efficient, these hybrids often compromise what makes cacao truly special: rich flavor, nutritional complexity, and genetic diversity.
At Cacao Adventures, we exclusively source heirloom and wild cacao varieties—ancient strains that have naturally adapted to their environment over centuries. These beans grow in harmony with the land, carry the unique fingerprint of their region, and preserve the biodiversity that modern agriculture often threatens.
One of the biggest threats to heirloom cacao is the aggressive spread of CCN-51 in Peru and other cacao-growing regions. Introduced with government support as a way to boost productivity, CCN-51 has quickly overtaken traditional strains. It grows fast and produces large pods, but at a cost: it depletes soil health, requires heavy irrigation, and yields cacao that many experts agree lacks complexity in flavor. Worse, it can cross-pollinate with native varieties, diluting their genetics and weakening their resilience over time.
This industrial approach not only risks biodiversity—it threatens the cultural heritage of cacao-growing communities. Wild and heirloom strains are often grown in agroforestry systems that support entire ecosystems and traditions. In contrast, hybrids promote monocultures and short-term thinking.
At Cacao Adventures, we believe in long-term stewardship. That’s why we work directly with farmers to help preserve and improve these heirloom varieties. Through hands-on training and education, we ensure that farmers have the tools and techniques to increase quality without sacrificing what makes their cacao unique. And by paying above-market prices, we create an incentive to protect these rare and irreplaceable genetic treasures.
When you choose Cacao Adventures, you’re choosing flavor, integrity, and preservation—not mass production. Because not all cacao is created equal, and the difference is something you can taste.
Author
Jose Visconti - Founder and COO of Cacao Adventures
Background & Expertise
Jose has worked with Chocolate and Cacao since 2014 in various capacities; as an Agricultural Liaison for Bean-to-Bar chocolate companies, as a consultant to the International Trade Center, as a sourcer of Specialty Beans where he worked with Internationally renowned chefs, as the Chief of R&D and operations manager for specialty chocolate manufacturers. Jose has travelled throughout many parts of Peru to search for specialty cacao and holds unique knowledge in harvest and post-harvest processes that unlock the full potential of unique and special cacao beans.
Personal Connection to the Topic
Jose is not only a chocolate lover, but a nature and travel enthusiast as well. When he learned the full story of cacao, and how the original wild strains of cacao were in danger of extinction, he took it upon himself to find the right people on both sides of the supply chain to bring this issue to light through communication and product development; not just using words, but creating irresistible chocolate and cacao products to highlight the importance of preservation.
Mention why this work matters to them—especially if there's a cultural or emotional tie.