The Seguine Cacao Auction is a new initiative that connects exceptional cacao producers with buyers seeking verified quality, provenance and flavour. Created by The Company Behind Chocoa, the Cacao of Excellence programme and Daarnhouwer & Co., the auction features a rigorously curated selection of lots processed, analysed and evaluated by Cacao of Excellence.
Named in honour of Ed Seguine, a leading voice in cacao flavour and quality, the auction recognises the expertise and commitment of producers whose work elevates the global understanding of fine cacao.
THE 2026 LOTS
The inaugural edition will offer six lots from producers recognised in previous editions of the Cacao of Excellence Awards.
Chocolatera del Volcán
2023 Gold Winner
Costa Rica
Kampura S.A.
2023 Bronze winner
Guatemala
P.T. Ebier Suth Cokran Cooperative
2023 Gold Winner
Indonesia
Finca La Rioja
2021 Gold winner
Mexico
Juan Laura – The Chocolate Farmer
2023 Gold winner
Peru
Beantobar Chocolate Chanthaburi Co
2023 Gold Winner
Thailand
BIDDER AUCTION KIT
Registered bidders receive a comprehensive kit designed to support accurate and informed evaluation of all six lots.
Technical Information
- Full description of each lot
- Complete bean physical analysis
- Cacao mass sensory description
- Cacao mass flavour graphs
- Lot size and farm details
- Producer and origin profile
Tasting Materials (per Kit)
- 6 jars of cacao mass – one per lot, processed by the Cacao of Excellence R&D Laboratory
- 24 mini chocolate bars – four per lot, produced by the Cacao of Excellence R&D Laboratory
- Cacao of Excellence Flavour Wheel
HOW THE AUCTION WORKS
Register
Receive Your Kit
Review the Lots
Bid on 20 February 2026
Email: send your maximum price by noon
Telephone: auction staff call you when bidding for your lot begins
If You Win a Lot
KEY INFORMATION
Event
Date: Friday 20 February 2026
Time: 17:30–19:00 CEST (17:30 cocktail sponsored by the Beurs Van Berlage Convention Centre, Auction begins 18:00 CEST)
Venue: Effectenbeurszaal Hall, Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam
How to Attend: Pay to register and receive your Seguine Cacao Auction Buyer Kit- for in-person attendance, purchase a 1/2/3 day entry ticket to the Chocoa Trade Fair https://www.chocoa.nl/tickets For email or telephone remote bidding, register and receive your Buyer Kit delivered to your door by February 6.
Participation
Bidding methods: Live (in-person at Chocoa) · Email · Telephone
Email bid registration: Two weeks before
Telephone bid registration: One week before
Written bids submitted by: 12:00 CEST, 20 February
Live registration: Until 15:00 CEST on 20 February
Auction email: auction@chocoa.nl
FAQ
A curated platform offering premium buyers access to high-quality cacao lots evaluated under Cacao of Excellence standards.
Edward Seguine devoted his career to advancing cacao quality, mentoring generations of chocolate makers, and championing the skill and expertise of producers. The auction carries his name in recognition of his impact on how exceptional cacao is understood, evaluated, and valued.
Buyers, chocolate makers, manufacturers and traders authorised to commit their company.
Technical documentation, bean physical analysis, sensory notes, jury comments, 6 cacao mass jars, 24 mini bars, bidding instructions and a paddle number.
Submit your maximum price per kg by noon on 20 February. You pay only the amount required to secure the lot.
The earliest email timestamp wins.
Yes. Register one week before; staff will call when bidding begins for your chosen lot.
Invoice issued by Daarnhouwer & Co.; beans must be collected within the agreed timeline.
Future editions are under consideration and depend on sector interest and feasibility.
Sponsors
Supporting excellence in cacao quality.
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]