QORI WARMI

La Convención, VRAEM, Cusco

The Women of Gold

TECHNICAL SPECS:

Producer: Qori Warmi
Location: La Convención, VAREM, Cusco
Genetics: Bellavista (VRAE 99)
Fermentation: 6-8 day box fermentation, drying as necessary under cover
Farm size: 494 Acres
Altitude: 400-1200 MSL
Website: QORI WARMI
Identity: Women-led social empowerment
Themes: Resilience, community, and peace

About Qori Warmi:

The significance of Qori Warmi goes far beyond the cacao beans themselves; it is a story of social transformation in one of Peru’s most complex regions.

The VRAEM region (the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers) in southern Peru is a landscape of breathtaking biodiversity and historical challenge. Once dominated by illegal coca production, the area is slowly being reclaimed, and this incredible co-op is at the forefront of the movement.

Founded in 2017, Qori Warmi was born from a desire for peace, financial independence, and environmental leadership. The idea was to empower women through the production of fine-flavour cacao. The co-op has grown from an initial 35 members to over 140. This is a testament to the success of the business model which has allowed producers to shift from selling raw agricultural goods to high-quality, internationally award-winning cacao.

By choosing cacao over coca leaf, these women are not just farming; they are leading a social revolution that provides a stable, legal, and dignified future for their families.

Beyond the award-winning flavor of their beans (which have powered their own brand, Tsinane, to international gold medals), Qori Warmi represents the Lucid ethos. By paying significantly above Fair Trade standards, we ensure that the "Women of Gold" receive the true value of their labor, supporting a regenerative model that protects both the people and the Peruvian jungle. Their story is unique, and we couldn't be happier to support such a positive force in the VAREM region.

Origins we buy:

Ballevista: This is a select harvest from Bellavista, Qori Warmi's own farm. Typically cacao is sourced from many different farms in the area, however we are purchasing their very special, single-estate varietal known as Bellavista. It is their most premium offering, and very close to the heart of the co-op. Bellavista is a sub-genre of the infamous VRAE-99, similar in nature but boasting added complexity.
Nano lot samples: We have sampled different micro lots from the Ashininkas communities, with single-harvest VRAE 99 and single-harvest Bellavista being the most prized. Although not yet purchased, this is one to watch for the future.

Products we make:

BELLAVISTA 76%
NOBLE RIESLING 82% (Lucid Labs)

FERMENTATION: Their approach to fermentation is a lengthy, controlled process. Ranging from 6-8 days depending on variable factors such as weather, and done in typical box fermentation style. Qori Warmi succeed in extracting amazing complexity from their beans through their fermentation. When compared to other producers with similar genetics, it's no wonder their cacao is so prized. The final beans contain low bitterness and astringency, medium acidity. Raw bean profile: Notes of earl grey tea, jasmine, cinnamon, peach & fresh mango.

BELLAVISTA GENETIC

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Known for its floral and stonefruit/melon flavours, VRAE-99 is absolutely one of Peru's best cacaos. It was selectively bred from native genetics and mixed with modern hybrids with floral characteristics as the focus. Bellavista goes one step further, and is a selectively bred VRAE-99, aiming for even more complexity.

Qori Warmi – Women-led Cocoa Cooperative in Peru: Cacao Processing and Chocolate Making

Please see the following video for a more in depth view on Qori Warmi in a video made by Corus International. It offers insights into the considerations of regenerative practices, as well as the empowerment of women in the second half of the video.