Seguine Cacao Auction

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 eight 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.

HOW THE AUCTION WORKS

Register

Choose live, email or telephone bidding. Submit required company information.

Receive Your Kit

Your Bidder Kit is dispatched once registration is confirmed. Or pay to register and pick up your Kit directly at the Cacao of Excellence Booth at the Amsterdam Cocoa Week 2027!

Review the Lots

Taste the cacao mass and chocolate, and study the technical information.

Bid in February 2027

Live: raise your paddle
Email: send your maximum price by noon
Telephone: auction staff call you when bidding for your lot begins

If You Win a Lot

Invoice issued by Daarnhouwer & Co.; delivery arranged once payment is received.

BIDDER AUCTION KIT

Registered bidders receive a comprehensive kit designed to support accurate and informed evaluation of all eight 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)

8 mass samples – one per lot, processed by the Cacao of Excellence R&D Laboratory
32 chocolate bars – four per lot, produced by the Cacao of Excellence R&D Laboratory
Cacao of Excellence Flavour Wheel

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, 8 cacao mass jars, 32 mini bars, bidding instructions and a paddle number.

Submit your maximum price per kg by a few days before the Auction. 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.

Seguine Cacao Auction