Cacao of Excellence is managed on a day-to-day basis by a coordination team housed and managed by the the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.
Meet the members of the Coordination Team:
Julien Simonis
Programme Manager
Sebastián Escobar Parra
Associate Team Leader
Andrew Meter
Research Specialist
Julia Butac
Lab Assistant
Matilda Malapela
Lab Assistant
Joselyne Michelle Bastidas Chevez
Lab Assistant
Nadia Villaseñor
Communications Specialist
Lilian Nanzala
Programme Associate
Shawn Landersz
Videographer
Lou-Anne Peroux
Communications Consultant
Latest News
First Seguine Cacao Auction Confirms Premium Value for Recognised Quality and Flavour
First Seguine Cacao Auction Confirms Premium Value for Recognised Quality and Flavour Amsterdam, 20 February 2026 - The inaugural Seguine Cacao… [+ more]
Cacao of Excellence Names 50 Highest-Ranking Cacao Producers in 2025 Global Evaluation
Amsterdam, 20 February 2026 – The Cacao of Excellence programme of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT has concluded its 2025 Edition,… [+ more]
2025 Bronze, Silver and Gold best 50 producers - Central America and the Caribbean
Central America & the Caribbean Announced 20 February 2026 at the Chocoa Trade Fair, Amsterdam The Central America & the Caribbean distinctions… [+ more]