Peruvian cocoa beans are often considered the rockstars of the cocoa world, coveted by makers worldwide. Despite this, craft chocolate making in Peru is fairly new and still relatively rare, and Maraná was among the first to produce “made at origin” bars in Peru. Led by the husband and wife team of Zulema and Giuseppe, Maraná takes direct trade to the next level by regularly visiting farms, meeting with growers, and working alongside them to improve yields and quality. What I most love about Maraná, however, is their deep pride in Peru and their commitment to showcasing the country's diverse regions and native cocoa beans. Each bar, whether from Piura, San Martin, or Cusco, highlights the unique characteristics of its geography and beans, offering a truly distinctive tasting experience. Their packaging features Peruvian art forms from these regions, a deliberate choice to further express Peru’s rich culture. Plus it ain’t too shabby that all their bars are crafted with certified 100% organic ingredients.