Mission & Vision

Why Cacao of Excellence?
Why Now?

As the cacao sector faces price shocks, climate pressures, and declining farmer incomes, quality must become a driver of resilience and value.

Cacao of Excellence is leading that shift.

Just as specialty coffee redefined its market, we’re creating the foundation for a decommodified, quality-driven cacao economy, where flavour is celebrated, excellence is rewarded, and farmers move up the value chain.

Our Mission

Cacao of Excellence exists to unlock the full potential of cacao quality to improve farmers’ livelihoods, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen resilient, equitable value chains.
We work globally to discover, recognise, and promote exceptional cacao, connecting producers with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to ensure that quality cacao is recognised and fairly rewarded.
Through collaboration, innovation, and education, we strive to make sustainable cacao excellence a driver of positive change.

Our Vision

We envision a world where excellent cacao is celebrated and rewarded; where producers, national systems, and the planet benefit from a shared commitment to flavour, quality, and sustainability.

Our Approach

At Cacao of Excellence, we take a holistic approach to improving cacao quality and recognition at origin. Our work is grounded in five strategic pillars:

Recognising and Rewarding Excellence

We celebrate the world’s best cacao through the Cacao of Excellence Awards and global tastings, shining a spotlight on exceptional producers and their craft, and opening doors to greater visibility, opportunity and acknowledgement of cacao quality.

Building Capacity Across the Sector

We work hand in hand with producers, technicians, and national partners to strengthen knowledge and skills in quality assessment, sensory evaluation, and flavour profiling, laying the foundation for resilience and long-term excellence.

Advancing Research and Innovation

We support scientific research and the development of practical tools to better understand, evaluate, and promote cacao quality, from flavour science to evaluation protocols and data insights.

Promoting Cacao Genetic Diversity

We help identify, protect, and promote the wide range of cacao varieties found around the world, preserving biodiversity, unlocking unique flavour profiles, and supporting resilient production systems.

Fostering Partnerships for Impact

We collaborate with national organisations, research institutes, chocolate makers, donors, and producers to co-create systems that reward quality and deliver lasting impact.

WHAT WE DO

People first, always.

AWARDS

Celebrating the world’s finest cacao and the farmers behind it through the Cacao of Excellence Awards, the leading global competition for quality cacao.