19 September 2023
Cacao of Excellence is delighted to announce significant developments within its organisation, reflecting a continued commitment to advancing the world of cacao quality and diversity. These changes are in line with an expanding vision for the programme and come at a time of remarkable momentum in its journey.
Julien Simonis Appointed as Cacao of Excellence Programme Manager
Cacao of Excellence is thrilled to welcome Julien Simonis as its new Programme Manager. Julien brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the role, having dedicated the majority of his professional career to research and development in the chocolate industry, specialising in cacao sensory analysis. He previously served as a key contributor at Puratos-Belcolade from 2012 to 2021, where he coordinated numerous international research projects focusing on post-harvest processes and impacts on chocolate taste. Julien also played a pivotal role as a sensory analysis reference for cacao products within the Puratos Group, providing training, and advising panels globally. He has been an integral member of the Cacao of Excellence Technical Committee since 2021. Julien will ensure successful output and product delivery is planned and programme goals are met.
Brigitte Laliberté Appointed as Strategic Advisor
Former Acting-Director Brigitte Laliberte, who joined Cacao of Excellence in 2011, has taken on a new role as a Strategic Advisor to the programme. Brigitte's dedication and vision have been instrumental in conceiving, building and expanding Cacao of Excellence, its strategy and vision, and inspiring the team and a broad network of partners across the cacao sector to rally around this unique platform, cacao producers of excellence and superior quality cacao. In her new role, Brigitte will provide strategic advice on all aspects of the programme, ensuring its continued success.
Stephan Weise Appointed as Interim Director
Stephan Weise, currently the Managing Director for Asia of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, has been appointed as Interim Director of Cacao of Excellence. Stephan brings a wealth of leadership experience and an understanding of high value agricultural markets, aligning perfectly with the programme’s mission to promote quality and diversity in cacao value chains. He was also involved in the initial development of Cacao of Excellence.
Dolores AlvaradoAppointed as Interim Head of Lab
Dolores Alvarado has been appointed as Interim Head of the Cacao of Excellence R&D Laboratory as of February 2023. Since 2017 Dolores has served as Research Assistant to the programme where she supported the Technical Committee on all aspects related to sample sensory evaluations, panel performance assessments and the coordination and publication of the International Standards for the Assessment of Cocoa Quality and Flavour protocols. As Interim Head of the Lab, Dolores oversees all aspects of the Lab’s cacao processing, chocolate-making, trainings and workshops.
These appointments come during a period of great momentum for the programme. Cacao of Excellence, renowned for its prestigious awards platform, continues to evolve with the addition of an R&D Cacao Laboratory, a capacity building platform, and a knowledge and innovation hub. These developments lay the foundation for evidence-based knowledge to foster cacao quality and diversity across origins.
Cacao of Excellence Acting-Director Stephan Weise says, "Julien brings key management experience within the cacao sector focused on quality and sensory evaluation. Pairing his management and technical expertise with our expanded vision for the programme will allow us to successfully deliver on our priorities." Stephan continues, "Cacao of Excellence is reaching new heights thanks to the commitment and vision of Brigitte Laliberté, who, together with Julien, Dolores and staff, form a strong team that will take the programme further still.”
Cacao of Excellence is at a true inflection point with increasing demand for superior quality cacao and policy shifts towards a more sustainable and just cacao value chain. The programme looks forward to an exciting future, driven by a dynamic team dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in the cacao sector.
About Cacao of Excellence
Cacao of Excellence, led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), is a neutral 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. www.cacaoofexcellence.org
About the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. www.alliancebioversityciat.org
