Communities and Projects

Asháninka: Kemito Ene Cacao & Chocolate

Our first project is the development of a partnership with Kemito Ene, an Asháninka-led cooperative of producers who are native from the Ene river in the Amazon rainforest.

Kemito Ene produces certified organic and fair-trade cacao beans, cacao-derived products (such as cacao nibs, cacao paste, cacao powder, among others) and chocolate. Kemito Ene uses agroforestry systems for the cultivation of its products and is supported by the UK rainforest foundation. 

Kemito Ene has received several awards for environmentally responsible, sustainable development practices and its efforts to provide Indigenous communities with the tools and resources to keep the Amazon forest standing.

This includes the Equator Prize 2019 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Like many indigenous communities, the Asháninkas of the Ene River face various threats for their communities and their territories: Illegal mining, hydroelectric concessions, deforestation by logging companies and the commercialization of coca as well as continuous migration with people often bringing their aggressive agricultural practices.

Avitero will import and sell cacao and chocolate products from Kemito Ene.