• by Teresa Buyikian , February 13, 2026

Corona bars around the world now feature authentic, handcrafted furniture that is not only beautiful, but provides ongoing economic opportunities for the artisans themselves.

The global effort, headed by Leo Puru, taps into an ancient Peruvian tradition from the community of Huanchaco, where artisans have been renowned for crafting small reed boats, known as caballitos de totora, for over 3,000 years. These canoe-like boats, which are considered the world’s first surfboards, are made from totora reeds and continue to be used by fisherman today. 

“This project isn’t about reinventing tradition—it’s about keeping it alive. Totora doesn’t need reinterpretation; it needs respect. And by honoring it, we create a real, sustainable opportunity for a community safeguarding an invaluable cultural heritage,” said Beto Noriega, chief creative officer for Leo Lima.

The objectives of the effort included offering the “community of Huanchaco—keepers of a millenary technique now at risk of fading away—a real, sustainable economic opportunity that helps preserve the traditional weaving of totora,” in addition to supplying “rustic, natural, and authentic furniture” to Corona bars worldwide, according to the brand. 

The artisans are crafting functional chairs, tables, and benches from natural fibers, “using the same processes passed down from generation to generation.” A behind the scenes short film showing the community of Huanchaco and creation of the Corona furniture is seen here.

The furniture effort is part of the Corona Puru’s ongoing “Made in Huanchaco” campaign with Leo Puru and is based on the idea “when a global brand looks to local traditions with respect, the impact can become truly universal.”