February 3, 2025
Machu Picchu Foods Achieves ROC® Certification: A Major Step Towards a Regenerative Cocoa Future
A Commitment to Sustainability and High Impact
At Machu Picchu Foods, our mission goes beyond producing high-quality chocolate. We are dedicated to fostering a sustainable, regenerative cocoa supply chain that benefits local communities, the environment, and the future of cacao farming. Through strong partnerships with farmers, cacao-growing communities, and our customers, we are actively transforming the chocolate industry.
By implementing regenerative agricultural practices, we protect the environment, restore soil health, and empower cacao farmers to achieve social and economic stability. Achieving Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC®) is a significant milestone for us, reinforcing our commitment to creating a more sustainable and resilient future for cacao.
What is ROC® Certification?
The Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC®) certification is the gold standard for regenerative agriculture worldwide. It surpasses traditional organic certification by ensuring a holistic approach to farming that benefits the entire ecosystem. Here are the key pillars of ROC™:
- Soil Health: ROC® promotes practices that improve soil fertility and structure, increase water retention, and enhance carbon sequestration, contributing to healthier land and better yields.
- Social Fairness: ROC® ensures that cacao farmers and workers receive fair wages, job security, and respect for their rights, fostering a more equitable and ethical supply chain.
- To achieve ROC® certification, cocoa farms must first hold USDA Organic or an equivalent certification. ROC™ certification adds additional requirements, specifically focusing on ecosystem regeneration and long-term sustainability.
Why ROC® Certification Matters for Chocolate Manufacturers and Their Brands
For Machu Picchu Foods, the ROC® certification is a clear demonstration of our commitment to transparency and traceability within our supply chain. Here’s how ROC™ benefits chocolate manufacturers and brands:
- Enhanced Credibility and Trust: ROC® is globally recognized as a symbol of quality and sustainability, helping to build trust with consumers and partners.
- Stronger Market Differentiation: As consumer demand for ethical, sustainably sourced products grows, offering ROC®-certified cocoa helps brands stand out in a competitive market.
- Alignment with Consumer Values: More than ever, consumers are prioritizing sustainability, environmental stewardship, and fair labor practices. ROC® certification helps brands connect with these conscious consumers.
- Commitment to a Sustainable Future: By using ROC® -certified ingredients, brands can align themselves with the broader mission of fostering a regenerative and sustainable food system.
The Impact of Regenerative Agriculture on Cocoa, the Environment, and the Ground
Regenerative agriculture, central to ROC® practices, brings tangible benefits on several levels:
- For Cocoa: Regenerative practices improve the quality of cacao beans, increase resilience to pests and diseases, and promote long-term productivity by maintaining soil health.
- For the Environment: Regenerative farming helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals, and conserving biodiversity.
- For the Soil: Healthy soils are the foundation of regenerative agriculture. By enhancing soil structure and microbial activity, regenerative practices restore soil fertility and support sustainable crop production.
The Role of Our Cocoa Farmer Partners: A Model of Collaboration
Collaboration with our cocoa farmer partners is essential to the success of our sustainability initiatives. One shining example is our work with the Agrarian Cooperative of Sonomoro del Vraem (COAS). We are proud to share that COAS has also recently achieved ROC® certification, further strengthening our partnership and mutual commitment to regenerative agriculture.
This shared achievement highlights the power of collaboration and collective action to reach our sustainability goals. Together, we are setting a new standard for cacao production in the Peruvian Amazon.
Ongoing Training: Empowering Our Cocoa Farmers
At Machu Picchu Foods, we are dedicated to empowering our cocoa farmer partners with the tools and knowledge they need to implement regenerative practices on their farms. Our continuous training program includes workshops on:
- Soil management and natural fertilization techniques
- Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration strategies
- Natural pest and disease control methods
This training ensures that our farmers can improve their farming practices while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the cacao industry.
Partner with Us: Create a Chocolate Brand with a Sustainable Purpose
As consumer demand for sustainable products rises, it’s more important than ever for brands to offer products that align with their customers’ values. At Machu Picchu Foods, we offer ROC®-certified cacao ingredients that enable you to create products with purpose—chocolates that are not only delicious but also contribute to a better, more sustainable world.
If you are looking to develop a chocolate brand with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, we invite you to connect with us. Let’s work together to build a sweeter, more sustainable future for cacao, the planet, and our communities.
Contact Us to learn more about how ROC®-certified ingredients can elevate your brand and meet your sustainability goals.
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