Cacao of Excellence Program Enhances Chocolate Quality and Farmer Income
The Cacao of Excellence program, initiated by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, is revolutionizing the chocolate industry by standardizing the evaluation of cacao beans. This initiative, based in Rome, aims to create a consistent method for assessing the quality of cacao, similar to the systems used in wine and coffee industries. The program involves a detailed process of preparing and evaluating cacao, which includes roasting, milling, and tasting by trained professionals. This standardized approach allows for a more precise valuation of cacao, potentially increasing the income for farmers, especially those in rural and economically challenged areas. 
