Perugia, Italy – From November 15th to 24th, Cacao of Excellence will join the 30th-anniversary celebration of Eurochocolate in Perugia’s historic center. With free admission and an anticipated attendance of over 500,000 visitors from Italy and beyond, Eurochocolate 2024 is set to be a landmark event in the chocolate world. Cacao of Excellence’s participation is proudly supported by the Umbria Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the region’s commitment to promoting high-quality cacao, exceptional producers, and sustainable practices in the cacao sector.
At Eurochocolate, Cacao of Excellence will provide chocolate enthusiasts with an immersive experience into the world of quality cacao. Visitors to the Cacao of Excellence stand will encounter:
- Award-Winning Cacao Producers: Explore the origins and stories of the Best 50 cacao producers from the 2023 Cacao of Excellence Awards, with the opportunity to sample their exceptional cacao transformed into chocolate.
- Sensory Exploration and Education: Discover sensory analysis tools and learn about innovations advancing sustainability and quality in cacao.
- Exclusive Products for Purchase: Discover the Limited Cacao Mass Diversity Kits and Best 50 Cacao of Excellence Chocolate Treasure Boxes to experience the nuanced flavours of top producers.
- Guided Tasting Sessions: Participate in four exclusive guided tasting sessions, featuring select high-quality cacao, crafted into chocolate, offering a deep dive into its distinct flavors and aromas.
In collaboration with Fair Cocoa, Eurochocolate 2024 will also provide a rare opportunity to meet cacao and chocolate producers from over 33 origins worldwide, fostering connections and insight into sustainable and direct-sourcing practices.
This year, Eurochocolate will also mark the official signing of a letter of intent to establish the International Observatory on Cocoa and Chocolate. With support from Cacao of Excellence and the Umbria Chamber of Commerce, this Observatory will serve as a global platform to monitor and promote cacao quality, consumer awareness, and collaboration among producers, researchers, and chocolate enthusiasts. Expressions of interest for supporting the Observatory through crowdfunding are now open at cittadelcioccolato.it.
“Cacao of Excellence is honored to participate in Eurochocolate’s 30th anniversary, bringing focus to the rich diversity of cacao flavours and the extraordinary producers behind the world’s finest chocolate,” said Julien Simonis, Cacao of Excellence Program Manager at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. “With the establishment of the International Observatory on Cocoa and Chocolate, we are working together to support a market that values cacao for its quality, advancing a more sustainable cacao sector.”
“It is with satisfaction that the Umbria Chamber of Commerce, for the second consecutive year, renews its collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International for the ‘Cacao of Excellence - activities for Umbria’ project,” said Federico Sisti, President of the Umbria Chamber of Commerce. “This partnership focuses on the sustainability of food systems, improving the conditions of local small-scale producers, and protecting biodiversity and the environment. This year, our main efforts include the establishment of the International Observatory on Cocoa and Chocolate, to monitor the cacao supply chain, the evolution of relationships within the sector, and to promote best practices globally,” he added.
“While celebrating Eurochocolate’s 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to partner with Cacao of Excellence to bring award-winning cacao and producers to Perugia,” said Eugenio Guarducci, founder of Eurochocolate. “The creation of the International Observatory on Cocoa and Chocolate is an exciting step forward in our commitment to quality and sustainability. We believe the Observatory will play a crucial role in raising consumer awareness, helping people understand and appreciate the true value and origins of the cacao and chocolate they enjoy,” he added.
Whether you are a chocolate aficionado or simply curious about the world of cacao, Eurochocolate 2024 and the Cacao of Excellence tasting sessions offer an unmissable experience. Join us this November in Perugia to celebrate the richness and diversity of exceptional cacao flavours.
Our stand is located on Via Mazzini, as shown in the map below (see Map Legend "Cacao of Excellence").
