Perugia (Italy), July 10th, 2023 - Cacao of Excellence is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Eurochocolate, the renowned European chocolate festival in Perugia, Italy. Together, they aim to showcase the culture, history, and extraordinary producers of the ancient cacao crop. The partnership will culminate in Cacao of Excellence's participation in the highly anticipated 2023 Eurochocolate Festival, set to take place from 13 to 22 October 2023.
Eurochocolate is an annual event that has captivated chocolate enthusiasts since its inception in 1994. Held in the charming city of Perugia, the festival attracts nearly one million visitors each year, including both tourists and Italians alike.
This year's festival holds even greater significance with the announcement of an exciting new venture for the cacao and chocolate world. It involves the forthcoming construction of "The City of Chocolate" in the historic "Mercato Coperto" building in Perugia. This permanent structure, spanning 2,800 square meters, will be exclusively dedicated to the world of cacao and chocolate. It is set to open in October 2024, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Eurochocolate.
The innovative facility will feature a demo farm and a demonstration chocolate laboratory, providing visitors with a captivating experience showcasing the entire journey from cacao to chocolate. By building this state-of-the-art facility, they are reaffirming their commitment to the cocoa industry and are promoting an inclusive vision for the future of chocolate.
The collaboration between Eurochocolate and Cacao of Excellence represents a natural extension of Eurochocolate’s core values, as the festival has consistently recognised and celebrated the diversity of cacao-producing countries and the farmers who dedicate their expertise to cultivating the world's finest cacao. Together, they will seize the opportunity provided by the Eurochocolate Festival to promote and honour high-quality cacao, highlight cacao diversity, and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of cacao producers.
"We are excited to partner with Eurochocolate, a festival that shares our passion for cacao and recognises the importance of supporting cacao-producing communities," said Brigitte Laliberte, Acting Director of Cacao of Excellence. "The Eurochocolate Festival is the perfect platform to showcase the exceptional flavours and stories behind this remarkable crop. By joining forces, we can elevate awareness and appreciation for high-quality cacao while celebrating the dedicated farmers who make it all possible."
Visitors to the 2023 Eurochocolate Festival can look forward to an immersive experience, featuring interactive displays, educational sessions, and tasting opportunities curated by Cacao of Excellence. The presence of Cacao of Excellence will undoubtedly enhance the festival's reputation as the largest chocolate festival in Europe, solidifying its position as a must-visit event for chocolate enthusiasts, professionals, and connoisseurs from around the world.
Cacao of Excellence is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, an international research-for-development organisation that delivers research-based solutions in more than 70 countries across four continents, to harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives in a climate crisis, sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, Cacao of Excellence has Italy as its base in order to foster close collaboration with Rome-based international agricultural development agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP), as well as Italy's research and development sector and linkages with European Sustainable Initiatives related to cacao and chocolate These partnerships are crucial for the programme's success. Italy's advantageous location also plays a significant role. Cacao of Excellence can securely receive cacao beans from all corners of the globe without risking the introduction of pests or diseases that could harm production. Rigorous control measures ensure the safety and integrity of the beans. The programme capitalises on its Italian foundation to work intimately with value chain stakeholders, showcasing the production of superior quality chocolate, made in Italy.
For more information about Cacao of Excellence and their collaboration with Eurochocolate, please visit www.cacaoofexcellence.org and www.eurochocolate.com
About Cacao of Excellence
Cacao of Excellence, led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), is a global platform that discovers, convenes, promotes, and rewards cacao producers of excellence from all origins, focusing on superior cacao quality and flavour diversity. Since 2009, the platform has held the prestigious global Cacao of Excellence Awards, celebrating the work of cacao farmers and showcasing exceptional flavours worldwide. Cacao of Excellence’s vision is to drive the expansion of superior quality cacao, ensuring more producers thrive and benefiting resilient agricultural systems. By recognising, preserving, valuing, and promoting cacao quality and flavour diversity across the value chain, we improve smallholder farmers' livelihoods and drive sustainability in the cacao supply chain, fostering thriving, resilient, and healthy communities, from origins to consumers.
Follow Cacao of Excellence
http://www.cacaoofexcellence.org
https://www.facebook.com/cacaoofexcellence
https://www.youtube.com/@cacaoofexcellence
https://twitter.com/CacaoExcellence
https://www.instagram.com/cacaoofexcellence/
About Eurochocolate
Eurochocolate is a renowned chocolate festival held annually in Perugia, Italy. Since 1994, the festival has attracted chocolate lovers from around the globe. Eurochocolate celebrates the diversity of cacao-producing countries, showcasing their unique flavors and traditions. The festival aims to educate, entertain, and inspire through a range of events, activities, and delectable chocolate creations.
Follow Eurochocolate
www.eurochocolate.com
Facebook: Eurochocolate.official
Twitter: @faceciok
Instagram: @Eurochocolate
TikTok: @eurochocolate
