The 2025 Cacao of Excellence Awards are well underway. Since the Edition launched in June 2024, National Committees from around the world have been carefully selecting the most outstanding cacao samples from their origins. Since then, samples have been arriving at the Cacao of Excellence laboratory in Rome, where they are currently being blind-coded and processed into cacao mass for evaluation.
A Rigorous and Transparent Selection Process
Once, received, samples undergo a physical evaluation and are then processed into cacao mas using the stringent protocols outlined in the Guide for the Assessment of Cacao Quality and Flavour. This Edition, we have counted on the support of an array of cacao and chocolate professionals from across cacao origins, who have been learning by doing, at the Cacao of Excellence Quality Laboratory and Training Centre. Trainees get hands-on experience, adopt a more unified and scientifically rigorous approach to analysing and processing cacao, and apply a common language when describing the cacao they encounter. Following this important step, every cacao mass sample is then evaluated blindly by the Cacao of Excellence Technical Committee, a group of international cacao and chocolate experts. The committee assesses flavour, aroma, and overall sensory quality to identify the Best 50 cacao mass samples of the 2025 Edition.
Once selected, each of the Best 50 cacao mass samples is transformed into chocolate using the same recipe to bring forth their diversity in flavour and aroma. These chocolates are then evaluated—blindly—by a broader panel of seasoned chocolate and cacao sensory professionals. Their evaluations are carefully analysed by the Cacao of Excellence data researcher, and the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners are determined. These winners will be revealed during the Cacao of Excellence Awards global event - set to take place in February 2026.
Why the Awards Matter
The Cacao of Excellence Awards exist to recognise the dedication, skill and unique terroirs of cacao producers around the world. For cacao producers, associations, national research institutes and cooperatives, being selected among the Best 50 or winning Gold, Silver or Bronze is more than a symbol of quality—it can open doors to new markets, better pay, and long-term recognition in the superior quality cacao segment. The Awards also support more equitable and sustainable cacao value chains by promoting transparency and celebrating diversity in cacao origins and flavours.
What’s Next?
In the coming months, the Cacao of Excellence team will share updates as the evaluation phase progresses. The Best 50 announcement is expected in the second half of the year, followed by the Awards Ceremony in February 2026, where the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners for 2025 will be revealed.
To learn more about the Awards process, discover each step here (we are currently at step 4)! In the wheel below, we are currently processing some 200 bean samples into cacao mass!
