On 30 March, chocolate and cacao lovers, sector experts and development professionals gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Cacao of Excellence R&D Laboratory and Training Centre in Rome, Italy.
The laboratory is designed to be a state-of-the-art research and development facility for the processing and evaluation of cacao samples received from over 55 participating origins for the global Cacao of Excellence Awards, and to serve as a cacao quality processing and sensory evaluation training centre for cacao-producing origins and value chain actors. The space was equipped with the latest technology, including breakers, winnowers, roasters and grinding machines as well as a cold room, all of which were on full display for the event.
As guests arrived, they were greeted with a fully operating laboratory and a diverse spread of cacao products, including cacao pulp juice, cacao-infused beers and spirits, and award-winning Cacao of Excellence chocolate samples from the Latin American, Caribbean, African and Asian and the Pacific regions. The aroma of freshly roasted cacao beans and ground cacao filled the air, inviting everyone to explore the laboratory.
The program was divided into three sessions to comfortably accommodate over 100 guests. The first session kicked off with speeches from the Director General of the CGIAR’s Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Juan Lucas Restrepo, who expressed his excitement about the laboratory’s potential to empower cacao producers and help develop the superior quality market segment. The Italian Minister Plenipotentiary and Director for Strategies and Multilateral Global Processes for Development Cooperation, Marco Giungi highlighted the lasting relationship between the Italian government and the CGIAR Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and stressed the importance of investing in smallholder farmers as a means to improve livelihoods, strengthen local communities and economies.
Next, Brigitte Laliberte, Cacao of Excellence’s Acting Director took the stage to discuss the importance of the programme and its impact on producers as well as the intentions of the facility, as a cacao processor for the Awards, and a hub for research, development and learning. Cacao of Excellence recognised the contribution of Edward Seguine to the programme, cacao producers and the sector with the revealing of a plaque in his honour. The lab was officially opened with the cutting of the ribbon.
Guests were treated to a live demonstration of each stage of the cacao process from beans to chocolate by Cacao of Excellence Lab lead and food technologist Dolores Alvarado, experts seconded from Barry Callebaut and CATIE, and Cacao of Excellence Technical Committee members. This was followed by a carefully guided tasting session of chocolate derived from Cacao of Excellence award-winning beans from Tanzania, Vietnam and Honduras. Finally, guests were able to freely tour the facilities and sample 50 chocolate samples from Cacao of Excellence’s 2021 Best 50 from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, as well as Asia and the Pacific.
As the event came to a close, guests left with a deeper appreciation for the complexity and artistry of cacao processing and the sensorial pleasure of chocolate tasting. The launch of the Cacao of Excellence Laboratory and Training Centre was a testament to the passion and dedication of the CGIAR Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and its Cacao of Excellence programme to empower producers for a more sustainable sector. The centre shows great promise to be a hub for innovation and collaboration in the years to come.
What’s Next?
Deeply encouraged by the engagement and momentum generated at the event, the coming year will see Cacao of Excellence engage with a wide range of National Organization Committees, sector actors and potential partners to develop more resources and activities that enable capacity building for cacao origins and build the momentum for greater partnership to further develop the superior cacao market segment. Through this programme, the CGIAR Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT together with partners and sponsors are working to pave the way for a more sustainable cacao sector that values, recognizes and promotes superior quality cacao and the farmers who produce it. We hope you’ll join us on the journey.
