The Cacao of Excellence Programme is proud to announce Dr. Darin Sukha as the new Chair of its Technical Committee. Dr. Sukha, a respected cacao researcher with over 25 years of experience in the sector, counts as one of the original founders of the Cacao of Excellence Programme and has been part of its Technical Committee since 2009.
An expert in cacao flavour, he has been working for the Cocoa Research Centre at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago since 1995. He.leads the Food Technology Section, specialising in research, training, and outreach. His expertise includes quality management, technology toolkits for micro and varietal-based fermentation, traceability, quality standards, and certification. Dr. Sukha also engages in international training on cacao post-harvest practices, sensory evaluation, chocolate-making, and standards development.
Dr. Sukha has contributed to key international cacao organisations, including the International Cocoa Organization and the Fine Chocolate Industry Association, and he chairs the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards committee for cacao quality.
As Chair, Dr. Sukha will perform all responsibilities of a Technical Committee member, including evaluating cacao samples for the Awards and supporting quality research. His new role includes providing strategic guidance to the Committee, liaising between the Committee and Programme Coordination, and ensuring rigorous assessment of all submissions.
Reflecting on the Programme's mission, Dr. Sukha noted, “We bear a crucial responsibility in the Cacao of Excellence Programme to ensure that our physical and sensory assessment processes are credible and precise, giving each submitted sample the best chance to express its genetic flavour potential. Our deliberations and feedback must also honor the dedicated efforts of our primary stakeholders: the cacao producers of the world.”
Dr. Sukha’s leadership will play a key role in upholding the programme’s commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence in cacao.
