Submit Your Pre-Application
Fill out and send the form to alyssa@hcpcacao.org and follow the HCP Submission Protocols.
HCP will provide feedback within one month with further instructions.
Pre-Submission Form (EN).pdf5 MB
Empowering farmers
to protect the roots of cacao.
The HCP connects cacao producers worldwide with educational resources, technical expertise, and the opportunity to earn Heirloom designation — recognizing excellence and preserving biodiversity.
How to apply for Heirloom designation
The Heirloom Selection model recognizes cacao varieties with exceptional flavor, genetics, and cultural value. Here are all of the steps for Heirloom recognition.
Prepare Submissions
The HCP will accept a maximum of 10 submissions per application cycle.
*Submissions received after September 30th of that calendar year will be stored properly at Guittard Chocolate until the following year's application cycle.
Protocols_ENG.pdf933 KB
Sample Processing
Guittard will process the beans into chocolate and liquor according to HCP protocols and send them to the International HCP Tasting Panel for sensory analysis.
Heirloom Recommendation
Sensory analysis feedback is provided to submitters from the HCP Tasting Panel. Those recommended Heirloom will proceed to the next phase.
Site Visits and Verification
Virtual site visits are performed and reported to the HCP.
Genetic Analysis
A genetic analysis is conducted on all samples recommended for Heirloom designation, and the results are shared directly with the farmer.
Designation
Once the site visit and genetic analysis are verified, applicants approved for Heirloom designation are formally notified and provided with an HCP welcome packet, marketing materials, and access to the chocolatier network.
Public Ceremony & Tasting
Heirloom designees will be announced at a public event in Washington D.C. with a guided tasting.
Note: Any submissions received outside of the submissions deadline window can be accepted and stored under proper conditions at Guittard and will be processed in the following submissions cycle.
Mapping the originsof Heirloom cacao worldwide.
across 12 countries, HCP collaborates with farmers and partners to identify and protect the world’s most remarkable cacao varieties — the roots of chocolate as we know it.
Resources & Guides
The HCP provides access to open, curated visual resource library and guides, empowering farmers who seek to improve their cacao production.
PDFFebruary 2, 2026
HCP Protocols
Review the presentations of the lead scientists of the USDA-ARS Stakeholder Workshop on April 24th, 2025 in Beltsville, MA.
VideoOctober 21, 2024
HCP Technical Training Series
The HCP developed instructional training videos at Kamananui Research Center on Oahu in Hawaii, which covers the full production process of Heirloom cacao.
PDFJune 5, 2025
Producer's Guide to Fine Flavor
HCP Ambassador Natalia Aristizabal attended an intensive training at the Cocoa of Excellence lab in Rome in order to create a guide for farmers to be able to analyze the flavor of their cacao. The HCP uses this guide when performing in-person trainings on the ground.
PDFJune 1, 2025
HCP Technical Nursery Guide
Technical nursery guide for cacao management.