Services

The Cacao of Excellence R&D Lab offers expert advisory and collaboration services to strengthen cacao quality systems, sensory capacity and sector development in producing countries and across the cacao value chain.

Partner with Us

We provide strategic advisory and capacity support to help organisations strengthen their cacao quality practices, develop sensory capabilities and collaborate on research. Our services are designed for national cacao sectors, development agencies, cooperatives, private companies and research institutions seeking expertise in cacao quality and flavour evaluation.

Sensory Panel Calibration

Sensory Panel Calibration

Support to strengthen and standardise sensory evaluation teams. Includes taster calibration, team alignment, and the application of CoEx sensory methods.

Post-Harvest Quality Advisory

Post-Harvest Quality Advisory

High-level guidance on how fermentation, drying and sorting influence cacao quality. Advisory only.

Capacity Building Project Support

Capacity Building Project Support

Technical advisory for development agencies and sector institutions designing or implementing cacao quality components as part of broader cacao sustainability initiatives.

Research Collaboration

Research Collaboration

Partnerships with research institutions or R&D teams on flavour, sensory science and cacao quality studies.

CONTACT

For service requests or collaborations:
N.Villasenor@cgiar.org

 

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]