Cameroon cocoa won gold at the Cacao of Excellence Awards in Amsterdam, reinforcing its standing in premium cocoa markets and reflecting steady progress in quality-focused production across the sector.
The 2025 Cacao of Excellence Awards were held during the Chocoa Trade Fair in Amsterdam from Feb. 15-21, where Cameroon’s national cocoa sample won gold in the Africa and Indian Ocean category.
The competition recognizes high-quality cocoa beans from producing countries worldwide.
The winning entry, identified as Sample No. 167, represented cocoa grown in southern Cameroon and was evaluated alongside 191 samples from 45 origins.
Seven submissions came from Cameroon following national preselection and laboratory testing in Italy.
The result places Cameroon among recognized producers of fine-flavor cocoa, a segment linked to specialty chocolate markets where traceability, taste profile and postharvest handling shape price premiums.
African producers increasingly seek stronger positioning in this higher-value segment through quality certification and improved processing standards.
Cameroon’s National Cocoa and Coffee Board coordinated sample collection across production zones before sending selected lots for international sensory and technical assessment.
Judges described the winning cocoa as “a remarkable example of … fine-flavor cocoa,” citing its balance of natural conditions and cultivation practices.
The award-winning beans were produced by the SCCAPCC cooperative in Kye-Osi, with farmer Atangana Onana François credited for the cultivation and processing practices behind the winning lot.
The gold medal follows a bronze award for Cameroon in 2023, reflecting gradual improvement in postharvest management, professional training and quality control systems across the sector.
