Cordillera Launches the Second Cohort of “Atenea: Women Who Transcend” in Córdoba, Colombia

More than 120 cacao farmers to receive training in entrepreneurship, leadership, financial education, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Montería, Córdoba – Thursday, July 3, 2025

Cordillera, the Latin American Sustainable Chocolate Ingredients brand, and the Agricultural Purchasing and Development division of Compañía Nacional de Chocolates (a subsidiary of Grupo Nutresa), have officially launched the second edition of their sustainability program Atenea: Women Who Transcend in the department of Córdoba. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of cacao producers across the country.

This new cohort brings together 120 participants from four local cacao associations who will benefit from over 300 hours of intensive training. The program is delivered in partnership with SENA (National Learning Service) and the Government of Córdoba.

“In Córdoba, we’ve identified women with a strong agricultural calling, natural leadership, and a great desire to learn. This region holds immense potential for cacao growth—not just in volume but in traceable quality. Investing in the empowerment and capacity-building of women here is an investment in the future of Colombia’s countryside,” stated Alejandro Gil Aguirre, Director of Agricultural Purchasing and Development at Compañía Nacional de Chocolates.

Program Structure

The latest version of the Atenea program includes four key modules, designed to sustainably impact the lives of participants, their families, and their communities:

1. Entrepreneurship in Chocolate and Cacao Processing
   
   Developed in alliance with CampeSENA, this module enhances knowledge and skills for cacao-based entrepreneurship. Participants receive technical training in the processing of couverture chocolate, confectionery, baking, and pastry, as well as quality and food safety management.
   
2. Financial Education for Rural Women
   
   This module provides tools for responsible management of income, expenses, savings, and credit, tailored to the rural context. Women will identify opportunities to better manage their resources, production costs, and access to financial services.
   
3. Leadership and Women’s Empowerment
   
   Aimed at closing gender gaps, this component fosters personal development, leadership, and self-confidence in participants. It positions them as change agents in their communities, capable of leading initiatives for a more prosperous cacao culture.
   
4. Agronomic Management of Cacao Cultivation (MACC)
   
   Leveraging the six decades of experience of CNCH’s Agricultural Purchasing and Development team, this module builds capacity for sustainable cacao farming—from seed to high-quality, flavor- and aroma-rich beans.
   

Stories That Transcend

The event also welcomed women cacao farmers from the first edition of the program, held in Urabá, Antioquia. These trailblazers shared their transformative experiences in a panel discussion on leadership, empowerment, and gender equity. Among the speakers:

• LUZ MARY ECHAVARRÍA DAVID – Legal representative of the Asochaguala Association and founder of the Aromary enterprise
  
• RAQUEL JOHANA GALLEGO SANMARTÍN – Member of the Acefuver association and founder of Uracao
  
• LUISA FERNANDA URIBE DAVID – Member of the Caocares association and founder of Chocoabibe
  

Commitment to a More Inclusive Cacao Culture

“At Cordillera, we deeply believe that when a rural woman thrives, an entire community is transformed,” said Natalie Quintero Zuluaga, Global B2B Marketing Director at Cordillera. “With this second cohort in Córdoba, we reaffirm our commitment to a cacao culture that is not only productive but inclusive, diverse, and prosperous. Atenea is more than a training program—it’s a platform for women in cacao to transcend expectations and build a better future.”

About Cordillera

Cordillera is the B2B brand of Compañía Nacional de Chocolates, serving the food industry and foodservice sectors with sustainable solutions made from Latin American chocolate. Present in over 20 countries, Cordillera is CNCH’s top international sales brand and was recognized in 2021 by the United Nations’ One Planet platform for its commitment to sustainability in the cacao value chain.

About Agricultural Development – CNCH

Since 1958, the Agricultural Purchasing and Development division of Compañía Nacional de Chocolates has worked to improve the living conditions of cacao producers in Colombia. The division promotes best agricultural practices, productivity, and quality, all with an inclusive and sustainable approach—from planting through to commercialization.