In the dynamic world of chocolate and snacks, one Peruvian company has carved out a unique and influential niche. Machu Picchu Foods, with over 30 years of experience in the cocoa industry, is leading the way in manufacturing tailor-made chocolate products for global markets. The company is a key player behind some of today’s most buzzworthy confectionery brands—including content creator-driven ventures like Mr. Beast’s Feastables and Peru’s own HH, the brainchild of comedians Jorge Luna and Ricardo Mendoza.
Global Focus with Local Roots
While headquartered in Peru and deeply rooted in its Amazonian cacao heritage, Machu Picchu Foods is overwhelmingly export-oriented. A staggering 85% of its chocolate and snack production is destined for international markets, leaving only 15% for national distribution. Its tailor-made approach allows the company to work closely with clients to develop unique products, with each new project taking around six months to reach launch.
Their model thrives on customization, catering to global trends and specific client needs. From gourmet snacks to influencer-branded chocolate bars, Machu Picchu Foods positions itself as a behind-the-scenes enabler of some of the most exciting trends in the chocolate world.
Influencers Breaking Into the Chocolate Market
The rise of influencer-led brands has disrupted traditional confectionery, and Machu Picchu Foods is at the center of this movement. In January 2022, American YouTuber and entrepreneur Mr. Beast launched his chocolate brand, Feastables, which quickly gained international attention. Around the same time, the Peruvian comedy duo from Hablando Huevadas introduced their own label, HH Chocolates, which pays homage to their hit stand-up show.
According to reports from RPP Noticias, HH Chocolates already accounts for 3% of the modern retail chocolate market in supermarkets and convenience stores in Peru. The brand aims to capture 10% of the market in the coming weeks, positioning itself as the first influencer-led chocolate brand in Latin America to make a serious commercial impact.
From the Amazon to the World
Machu Picchu Foods not only manufactures chocolate but also supports the entire value chain—starting at the source. The company collaborates with approximately 4,000 farmers across 30 collection centers in the Amazon basin, with key regions including Junín, Ucayali, Tingo María, Madre de Dios, and Cusco. This strong agricultural network ensures a reliable and high-quality supply of cacao beans, reinforcing the company’s reputation for excellence in sourcing and sustainability.
Their chocolate products are shipped to more than 40 countries, with major markets including the United States, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and various European nations.
Expanding Horizons with YouTube Creators
As explained by Estefanía Luque, the company’s cocoa procurement and trade manager, “We are venturing into the world of YouTubers. We’re working with two pioneers—Feastables abroad and HH nationally. We also export mainly to the United States and several other countries.”
This strategy demonstrates Machu Picchu Foods’ agility in tapping into contemporary consumer cultures shaped by digital personalities, showing that the future of chocolate may be just as influenced by social media as it is by flavor.