Embark on a visual journey through the captivating world of cacao diversity. From February 19 to March 1, 2024, the Cacao of Excellence R&D Laboratory and Training Centre in Rome, Italy, hosted a 10-day scientific visit and training.
Nestled within the laboratory's confines, participants encountered a remarkable convergence of cacao beans from various origins, a rarity in the sector. For experts hailing from cacao-producing countries where sourcing diverse beans is a challenge, this gathering was nothing short of revelatory.
The visit and training was part of a Cacao of Excellence and Fairtrade International - Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fair Trade Small Producers and Workers (CLAC) collaboration where cacao experts from three prominent Ecuadorian cooperatives, Fortaleza del Valle, UOPROCAE, and UNOCACE, as well as a representative of CLAC were trained in practices to evaluate cacao quality, emphasising the use of internationally agreed upon protocols for cacao processing and a common language for the assessment of cacao quality and flavour as outlined in the Guide for the Assessment of Cacao Quality and Flavour.
Have a look. For more images, check out our Flickr account here!
