Press and News Cacao of Excellence names 50 highest-ranking cacao producers in 2025 global evaluation
Amsterdam, 20 February 2026 – The Cacao of Excellence programme of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT has concluded its 2025 Edition, recognising 50 highest-ranking cacao producers following an 18-month blind evaluation process spanning 45 producing origins.
The results were announced on 20 February 2026 at the Chocoa Trade Fair in Amsterdam through four regional ceremonies covering Asia & the Pacific; Africa & the Indian Ocean; South America; and Central America & the Caribbean.
A total of 191 nationally selected cacao samples were submitted and assessed under structured technical and sensory protocols. Samples were evaluated blind and processed into chocolate under standardised conditions to enable comparative flavour assessment. From this global field, producers were recognised with Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards based on documented performance.
The 2025 Edition reflects broad geographic representation across four regions and diverse production systems, including estate operations, cooperatives, associations and individual producers.
