Supporting the Cacao Industry in Putumayo

Gran Tierra Energy supports the development of the cacao industry in Putumayo as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods, environmental conservation, and long-term peace. By promoting cacao as a viable, legal, and environmentally responsible economic alternative, we help strengthen rural communities, improve incomes, and support the transition away from illicit economies—while protecting the unique biodiversity of the Amazon region. Through long-term partnerships and targeted investments, we have contributed to building a resilient cacao value chain that benefits both producers and the environment.

Delivering Results: From Putumayo to Global Markets

This commitment has already delivered tangible results. In 2025, Putumayo reached a major milestone by securing the export of 50 tons of organic, deforestation-free cacao to Europe, representing a 300% increase compared to 2024. This achievement positioned the region as a growing source of high-quality, sustainable cacao that meets international standards. These exports—destined for markets such as Belgium—were made possible through partnerships with international buyers like Kaoka, a European chocolate company recognized for its organic and fair-trade model.

For local producers, this translated into:

  • Access to premium international markets
  • Higher and more stable incomes
  • Increased competitiveness through certified, high-quality products

Building the Foundations for Growth

Behind these commercial achievements is a long-term strategy focused on strengthening infrastructure and logistics across the value chain.

A New Milestone: Villagarzón Collection Centre

As part of the Agroemprende Cacao program, a cacao collection centre in Villagarzón is providing critical support to producers. Operated by ASOPROCAVIP and developed in partnership with the Government of Canada and SOCODEVI, this facility serves more than 800 families.

By providing a centralized location for collection and processing, the centre:

  • Reduced transportation time and costs
  • Improved efficiency and coordination
  • Enabled producers to meet larger commercial demands

Strengthening the Value Chain

The Villagarzón facility is part of a broader effort to modernize cacao commercialization in Putumayo, including:

  • Four processing facilities that standardized post-harvest practices and improved bean quality
  • A network of collection centres that reduced logistical barriers
  • Infrastructure that improved the flow of collection, drying, and storage during harvest seasons

Beyond Infrastructure: Building Capacity and Sustainability

Gran Tierra Energy’s support extends beyond infrastructure and works to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the sector:

  • Cacao Laboratory in Puerto Asís: Enabled producers to test, refine, and improve cacao quality to meet international standards.
  • Regional Cacao Committee of Putumayo: Established as the first officially recognized committee of its kind in Colombia, giving producers a voice at the national level.

Investing in the Future: Empowering the Next Generation

Building a sustainable cacao industry also requires investing in future generations. Through Sembrando Futuro (Sowing the Future), Gran Tierra Energy is helping empower youth in southern Putumayo to see agriculture as a dignified and viable career with real economic potential. The program connects education with hands-on experience through infrastructure such as a cacao processing laboratory and a demonstration plot, where students complement classroom learning with practical training across the entire cacao value chain—from cultivation to value-added production.

Key outcomes include:

  • Training a cohort of 30 students in technical and entrepreneurial skills
  • Strengthening knowledge of income-generating opportunities within cacao production
  • Promoting peer-to-peer learning and mentorship
  • Encouraging students to return and use program facilities for their own entrepreneurial projects

A Shared Vision for the Future

The transformation of Putumayo’s cacao industry—from local production to international exports—demonstrates the value of long-term investment, strong partnerships, and community leadership. Together with its partners, Gran Tierra Energy continues to support the positioning of Putumayo as a global benchmark for sustainable cacao production, unlocking lasting opportunities for communities across the region.

“Many of us used to make a living from illicit crops. Programs like this give us a real alternative. With cacao, we can build a more stable and healthy livelihood.”

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I don’t know how to read or write, but I know business, numbers and shoes. Emprender+ taught me how to better organize and analyse my business. I hope that someday I can help other entrepreneurs open their own businesses.