Lutheran World Relief and JCOCO from Seattle Chocolate Company partner to transform lives — and the status quo — through chocolate

The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (known as the VRAEM) is one of the poorest and hardest-to-reach regions of Peru. It’s also a region brimming with vibrant biodiversity and cacao potential.  

In a unique partnership, Lutheran World Relief and Seattle-based chocolate brand JCOCO are joining forces to bring innovation and opportunity to farmers while promoting regenerative agriculture and boosting cacao production.  

Building on the Lutheran World Relief’s work in the VRAEM, the collaboration aims to reshape cocoa farming, focusing on women leaders, youth entrepreneurs, and cocoa-producing communities. Combining the global ethos of JCOCO’s sustainable chocolate production with Lutheran World Relief’s expertise in economic resilience and agricultural training, the project will support more than 150 farmers. 

“Lutheran World Relief is proud to partner with JCOCO craft chocolate to drive meaningful change in the VRAEM,” said Carolina Aguilar, who leads LWR's cocoa programming in Latin America. “This initiative goes beyond revolutionizing cacao production — it amplifies the voices of women and youth, positioning the VRAEM on the global stage for fine aroma cacao.”  

The collaboration focuses on four key areas: 

1. Restoring soil health and balance ecosystems through the establishment of four agroforestry nurseries, producing 8,000+ plants per cycle.
2. Boosting cacao quality by training farmers in fermentation, drying, and storage and helping them access premium markets.
3. Providing critical infrastructure and tools, such as post-harvest equipment and safe water systems, to enhance resilience and sustainability.
4. Promoting economic empowerment of women and youth through leadership and technical skill training, empowering them to thrive in the cacao value chain. 

“The future of chocolate depends on what we do right now,” said JCOCO owner and CEO Jean Thompson. “We’re honored to work with Corus and Lutheran World Relief on initiatives that are not only ensuring a brighter future for cacao, but also the people and ecosystems of Peru.” 

Founded in 1945, Lutheran World Relief is an U.S.-based international development and aid organization working across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. We collaborate with local partners to grow resilient rural economies, reduce poverty, and respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Lutheran World Relief leads rural economic development programming at Corus International, an organization that unites an array of world-class nonprofits and businesses, each with specialized expertise. Our reach and capabilities are amplified by the other global leaders in our Corus family, including IMA World Health, CGA Technologies and Ground Up Investing. Together, we bring the multi-dimensional, holistic solutions needed to truly achieve lasting change.    

JCOCO is one of two premium brands from Seattle Chocolate Company, founded and led by CEO Jean Thompson, whose 2019 TED Talk highlighted the power of chocolate to drive meaningful social change. JCOCO pairs fine aroma cacao with fearless, globally inspired flavors — think spice meets citrus, sweet meets salt — creating hyperflavor experiences for curious, confident palates. More than just bold chocolate, JCOCO is a mission-driven brand:  in addition to paying farmers fairly, 10% of net profits support cocoa farmers in Peru providing regenerative agriculture training, post-harvest improvements, and tools for income diversification. Every JCOCO bar fuels a chocolate renaissance. 

Carolina Aguilar

Cocoa Program Director, Latin America, Lutheran World Relief

caguilar@lwr.org