Objective:

Analyze the governance models established around the Designation of Origin (DO) of cocoa in Latin America, in the cases of Cacao Amazonas in Peru and Cacao Grijalva in Mexico.

Methodology:

A case study methodology in comparative perspective was performed, built from documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews applied to key actors

Results:

Case studies showed a divergent behavior around their governance models. As well as in terms of the different levels of societal articulation, information symmetry, existence of collective decision-making mechanisms, participation of government actors, and of public policies aimed at promoting the cocoa chain.

Limitations:

it is necessary to include in future research the case of other cocoa territories such as Ecuador, which also has a DO Cacao Arriba.

Conclusions:

DOs are positioned as tools to promote territorial development based on the aggregation and value they can generate in the territories; however, the governance model defines the implementation of these initiatives.