Cacao of Excellence also investigates the economic and institutional dimensions of cacao quality. In partnership with organisations such as the FAO Investment Centre, the programme conducts research on market structures, incentives, and investment needs that influence the capacity of producers and local actors to generate value through quality and diversity.
These studies explore how quality is perceived, rewarded, or constrained across markets and identify barriers and opportunities for producers, cooperatives, and estates to strengthen their positioning. By analysing challenges and institutional bottlenecks across origins and value chains, Cacao of Excellence provides evidence to guide national strategies and investment plans aimed at reinforcing quality systems and creating new market opportunities.
Latest News
Indonesian Researchers Strengthen Capacity Around Cacao Flavour Evaluation and Quality Assessment
As cacao-producing countries increasingly seek to strengthen their own capacity around flavour evaluation, processing innovation and quality… [+ more]
What NPR’s feature reveals about the future of cacao quality
NPR recently featured the work of Cacao of Excellence in a story exploring one of the central challenges facing the cacao sector today: while cacao… [+ more]
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]