Cacao of Excellence is the premier superior quality cacao competition that discovers the world's best cacao and the exceptional producers who cultivate it.
Held biennially, the Cacao of Excellence Awards bring together leading sensoryevaluation experts and the chocolate industry to recognise and reward cacao producerswho cultivate cacao that is complex in flavour and of the highest quality.
The participation of cacao producers is coordinated by each National Organisation Committee responsible for the selection of samples in each origin.
Participating in the Cacao of Excellence Awards is a unique opportunity to be recognised on the global stage for your dedication, skill, and passion for cacao.
By taking part, cacao producers gain access to unique opportunities that go far beyond the awards themselves.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT.
SHOW THE WORLD WHAT YOUR CACAO CAN DO.
Explore the Best 50
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Cacao producers
awarded Best 50
since 2009
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Samples evaluated
revealing endless
diversity and flavours
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National Organisation
Committees established
globally
WHAT AWARD WINNERS ARE SAYING
Stephanie Omardeen
Trinidad and Tobago
Cacao of Excellence Best 50
“My family and I are committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture and, with cacao, this is possible as it is a crop that grows among other tree crops and perennials. The Awards give everyone a chance to compete on a level playing field.”
Messager Malimbuko
Congo DRC
Cacao of Excellence Best 50
“We submitted samples, not just to win better contracts but also to assess the quality of our cacao, to improve it and to promote cacao from our cooperative, our origin and cacao from DRC Congo.”
Liliana Laura Vila
Peru
Cacao of Excellence Best 50
“For me, producing cacao is a family tradition that provides the income I need for my children. The Awards raised awareness about our farm and our cacao’s quality.”
Harish Manoj Kumar
India
Cacao of Excellence Best 50
“India was unheard of in the fine flavour cacao market. Our Award was a real turning point: we placed India on the fine flavour map, establishing Anemalai as a legitimate cacao origin. The Awards opened doors for us globally.”
OUR TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
The Technical Committee (TC) is responsible for evaluating all cacao bean samples received for each edition of the Cacao of Excellence Awards. Composed of top experts in the cacao sector, its members possess extensive knowledge and experience enabling them to assess the overall quality of diverse cacao beans and establish accurate flavour profiles for each sample.
PARTNER WITH US
Invest in a future where cacao quality drives better livelihoods, stronger communities, and climate resilience.
Got an enquiry? Reach out by sending us an email and we’ll write back as soon as we can. cacaoofexcellence@cgiar.org
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