International distinction: Ivorian cocoa awarded in Amsterdam

Ivorian cocoa has been recognized at the 2025 edition of the “Cacao of Excellence” Awards, held on February 20, 2026 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on the sidelines of the Amsterdam Cocoa Week.

Organized under the Cacao of Excellence initiative, the competition rewards the world’s finest cocoa beans based on physical and sensory quality criteria. Samples submitted by producers are evaluated by an international panel of experts from research institutions, the chocolate industry, and the trading sector.

According to information published by Abidjan.net, Ivorian producers and research institutions received distinctions during the ceremony. Among them, the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA) was reportedly honored through one of its research stations. Some Ivorian cooperatives are also said to have featured among the award recipients.

Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s leading cocoa producer, has in recent years sought to strengthen the quality positioning of its cocoa, traditionally known for high production volumes. Public authorities and industry stakeholders have been promoting initiatives aimed at improving production standards and increasing local value addition.

While these distinctions highlight the presence of Ivorian cocoa among internationally recognized quality origins, detailed data on the final rankings and the exact number of awardees by country have not yet been widely circulated in major international media outlets.

The cocoa sector remains a cornerstone of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, involving around 1.2 million producers and supporting millions of livelihoods. The recognition obtained in Amsterdam may contribute to enhancing the country’s reputation in premium cocoa markets.