Q'uma: Socially Responsible Peruvian Chocolate Company

Working directly with 120 female farmers in the central highlands, this Peruvian chocolate company is able to ensure a positive impact in their employees’ quality of life. Find out where to get your bar here.

From being a mood booster to stimulating the digestive system, cacao has plenty of benefits that can make consumers literally feel good. Q’uma, a Peruvian chocolate company, has something to add to that list.

With a name inspired by the Aymara word for healthy (q’umara), Q’uma utilizes only the most natural and organic of ingredients—a standard that’s been upheld since their beginning in 2015. During both the first and second year of operation the Peruvian chocolate company received national recognition for quality. At just three years old, Q’uma took home the gold at the 2018 International Chocolate Awards held in New York. The recognition was credited to the company’s Maras Salt 70% dark chocolate bar.

And yet, delicious chocolate isn’t difficult to come by, especially in Peru. So what is it that separates Q’uma bars from every other rectangular package? By working directly with communities in Peru’s fertile highlands (including 160 women in Junín), the company can continue to work towards creating a supportive work environment for team members. Francesca Valdivia, manager of Q’uma, describes:

“I wanted to see how these products could be given more value so that the same farmers we work with can receive better income. Many of them want their children to get ahead. Sometimes, they feel that being a farmer is a bad thing, but it’s a job that I admire very much.”

Something else that might entice readers with a sweet tooth: Qúma recently launched a sugar-free bar, suitable for those with diabetes.

Q’uma, which has some 10k followers on Facebook, can be found in stores throughout Peru. Traveling to Cusco? Visit El museo del Café (Calle Espaderos 136), Las Frescas (Calle Shapi 478) or La Rabona (Herrajes 146). Heading to Arequipa? Stop by El Ekeko (Mercaderes 141). Numerous health food stores in Lima carry the chocolate bars, including Flora y Fauna (Av. La Mar 1110, Miraflores), Dédalo Café (Saenz Peña 295, Barranco), La Sanahoria (Av. El Polo 670 CC El Polo 2, Surco), Thika Thani (Av. Aviación 2808, San Borja), Pharmax (Av. Salaverry 3100, Magdalena) and all Wong supermarkets.

Source and cover photo: El Comercio

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