La Loma, June 20 of 2025
As a result of the ‘Drummond in partnership with Agroemprende Cacao’ project, developed by Drummond Ltd. in coordination with SOCODEVI, the municipality of Agustín Codazzi has increased its cocoa production, positioning itself as a benchmark for productivity, quality and sustainability in the Serranía del Perijá region.
Before the implementation of the project, the average cocoa production in the area was 230 kilos per hectare. Today, Agustín Codazzi leads the region with an average of 800 kilos per hectare, tripling its yield. In addition, the quality of cocoa has reached international standards, obtaining AAA rating under global classification standards, positioning cocoa
as a high-end product in the world market.
“Listening to producers tell how they have increased their productivity, improving the quality of their cocoa and promoting the business strengthening of Asocope, confirms the transformative impact of this alliance. These results not only raise the standard of living of the beneficiary families, but also consolidate the municipality of Agustín Codazzi as a benchmark for cocoa in the region,” said Juan Pablo Arteaga De Brigard, vice president of sustainability at Drummond Ltd.
The positive results of the project are reflected in the growth of the Association of Cocoa Growers of Perijá (ASOCOPE), which went from having 110 associates in 2022, to more than 300 active members today. This evolution has been accompanied by a comprehensive strengthening that includes the renovation of 75 hectares of cocoa, the construction and provision of four post-harvest units, the development of technical/business capabilities and the strengthening of female leadership; which has allowed them to achieve regional recognition as a solid and profitable organization.
“With this strategic alliance between Drummond Ltd., SOCODEVI and the Canadian Embassy, we have made significant progress that today is reflected in more efficient production, higher cocoa quality and a strengthened organization. Thanks to this project, the families of our associates and the future of the territory are being transformed,” said Liliana Angulo Barros, legal representative of ASOCOPE.
The results are also evident in important commercial advances. Thanks to the project, the participating producers have managed to market more than 110 tons of cocoa, positioning their product in high-value international markets such as Japan, the United Kingdom and various European countries. This expansion consolidates the presence of Perijá cocoa in highly competitive scenarios, reaffirming its quality, traceability and potential as an emblematic product of the region.
The equity and inclusion component has been fundamental in the development of the project. A total of 51 women participated in the “Female Leadership” program, receiving training and certification to assume active roles within the cocoa value chain. Currently, ASOCOPE’s board of directors is made up entirely of women, reflecting the impact of female empowerment on the social transformation of the territory.
These advances demonstrate the potential of collaborative work between organizations and local producers, promoting not only the economic development of the region, but also the international recognition of Cesar cocoa as a product of excellence.
As part of the follow-up to these results, the Government of Canada recently visited Colombia, led by Ambassador Elizabeth Williams, who highlighted the value of the joint work between rural communities, Drummond Ltd. and SOCODEVI, as well as the leading role of women in the process of transforming the territory.
“I had the opportunity to meet the associations that participate in the project and it was a success. I learned a lot from their experiences, from how the empowered women of this territory have learned to grow cocoa and improve the lives of their families and their communities,” said Elizabeth Williams, Canada’s ambassador to Colombia.
Drummond Ltd. thus reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development, economic diversification, strengthening the social fabric and promoting productive opportunities in its areas of influence.