What is Cacao of Excellence?

Cacao of Excellence is a unique global platform discovering, convening, promoting and rewarding cacao producers of excellence from all producing origins for superior cacao quality and flavour diversity.

Since 2009, Cacao of Excellence has been the entry point for cacao producers to participate in the Cacao of Excellence Awards, the most prestigious global cacao competition that recognises the work of cacao farmers and celebrates the quality and flavour diversity of cacao produced around the world. Held every two years, the Cacao of Excellence Awards bring together leading sensory evaluation experts and the chocolate industry to reward producers of excellence. 

The competition has spurred the participation of over 55 participating cacao-producing origins, the establishment of National Organisation Committees in 45 origins, dedicated national cacao quality competitions in over 25 origins, more than 1,250 superior quality cacaos that have been carefully selected and rigorously analysed, and over 400 cacao samples that have been awarded Cacao of  Excellence Best 50, representing thousands of producers, families and communities.

The programme has undergone a transformative journey, owing in part to the growth and popularity of the Awards competition. Cacao of Excellence works across five strategic priority areas to drive the expansion of superior quality cacao to ensure that a greater share of cacao producers prosper.

We are:

1. A renowned global cacao award competition - discovering, rewarding and championing cacao producers of excellence.

2. A connector - offering a neutral platform convening the national and international public and private sector with data-driven solutions and international standards to build capacity at origin.

3. A driver of cacao innovation - leading research on data-driven innovations that empower actors in cacao value chains and laying the foundation for evidence-based knowledge to catalyse investment in developing cacao quality and diversity across origins.

4. A hub for learning - building on 14+ years of experience supporting capacity building and cacao innovation in a newly established cacao research and development Laboratory and Training Centre.

5. A protector of cacao genetic resources - safeguarding cacao genetic diversity to ensure long-term health, resilience, quality and diversity of planting materials.