February 17, 2026
Wiñay: sustainable education that grows with cocoa‑producing communities
At Machu Picchu Foods we believe that sustainable development begins with education. With this conviction, our Wiñay project was born in 2021 as an educational infrastructure initiative designed to support the growth of cocoa‑producing communities in Peru.
Wiñay, which means “to grow” in Quechua, reflects our vision: to accompany the development of the children who are the future of our regions of origin, while reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable chocolate model that creates value from its origin.
A project with purpose
Wiñay was created with a central objective: to improve quality of life and the educational space through the renovation of essential school facilities such as school cafeterias, school kitchens, and playground areas in cocoa‑producing communities. These actions not only transform school spaces, but also align with our commitment to an ethical sourcing system that prioritizes the well‑being of cocoa farmers and supports a traceable supply chain, aligned with international sustainability standards.
Over the years, Wiñay has consolidated itself as an initiative that drives community development. Since 2021, we have supported:
- 8 schools
- 650 children
- 277 cocoa‑farming families
Advancing these institutions into safer, more functional, and more suitable learning spaces.
Education driving development today
Today, through the Wiñay project, we continue strengthening education—this time impacting the regions of San Martín and Junín, key territories for the development of cocoa‑producing communities. Current interventions prioritize improvements to cafeterias, kitchens, and playground areas, all of which are essential for well‑being, food security, and the holistic development of children.
At this moment, these renovated spaces not only enhance the physical conditions of the schools but also have a direct impact on the daily educational experience and on the lives of the cocoa‑farming families who are part of our cocoa value chain. Each improved space represents an opportunity for children to learn in better conditions and grow in a safe, stimulating and emotionally supportive space.
Growing in community
Wiñay is made possible thanks to the joint work between Machu Picchu Foods, educational communities, and cocoa‑farming families. Through this collaborative approach, we identify real needs and design interventions suited to each context. This active participation strengthens the sense of belonging and ensures that the improvements integrate organically into the daily dynamics of each institution.
During the recent inaugurations in San Martín and Junín, students, teachers, local authorities, and families celebrated the opening of these new spaces, reaffirming the importance of investing in education as a driver of collective development.
Our commitment to the future
With Wiñay—one of our projects at Machu Picchu Foods—we reaffirm our commitment to continue creating opportunities for Peru’s cocoa‑producing communities. We know that education is the foundation of progress and that adequate infrastructure is essential to the future of children.
Additionally, this project is part of our sustainability vision: building a future in which education, community development, and responsible practices such as sustainable chocolate, ethical sourcing, and a traceable supply chain advance together, generating real impact at every stage of the cocoa value chain.
Learn more
We invite you to watch the inauguration video and explore how Wiñay continues supporting education in Peru’s cocoa‑producing communities.
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