Stephanie Omardeen

Trinidad and Tobago

Cacao of Excellence Best 50

“My family and I are committed to sustainable and regenerative cacao and this is possible, as it’s grown with other tree crops and perennials. The Awards give everyone a chance to compete on a level playing field.”

Messager Malimbuko

Congo DRC

Cacao of Excellence Best 50

“We submitted samples, not just to win better contracts but also to assess the quality of our cacao, to improve it and to promote cacao from our cooperative, our origin and cacao from DRC Congo.”

Liliana Laura Vila

Peru

Cacao of Excellence Best 50

“For me, producing cacao is a family tradition that provides the income I need for my children the award raised awareness about our farm and our cacao’s quality.”

Harish Manoj Kumar

India

Cacao of Excellence Best 50

“India was unheard of in the fine flavour market. Our win was a real turning point. We placed India on the fine flavour map, establishing Anemalai as a legitimate cacao origin. The Award opened doors for us globally.”

Gideon Mawuli Nordzro

Ghana

Internal Control System Manager, Three Mountains Cocoa

“After this training, I’m going back to Ghana determined to set up a laboratory and apply what I’ve learned here — to take our cacao to the next level.”

Jittrranuch Bhumirat

Thailand

Cacao producer and chocolate maker

“I came to Cacao of Excellence to learn how to truly care for quality beans. Now I can go back to Thailand and help improve cacao quality at home.”

Leidy González

Colombia

Cacao producer, member of Asociación Belleza Productora de Cacao – ASOBELLCA

“I believe Cacao of Excellence helps the world see that we, cacao farmers, can be recognised internationally for our work — because our cacao deserves to be known and appreciated everywhere.”

María Alejandra Allerbe Ríos

Colombia

Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA)

“I’m taking back valuable knowledge to my region — especially for our Cauca cacao growers — to teach them firsthand how to process samples for sensory evaluation.”