2011 International Cocoa Awards: for exceptional chocolate!
28/10/2011 - Press release
The winners of the 2011 International Cocoa Awards for the best cocoa producers were announced on 20 October at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris (Porte de Versailles), attended by the whole range of professionals involved in the supply chain.
The International Cocoa Awards, which were launched on the initiative of three organizations, Bioversity International, CIRAD and Event International, are intended to bring cocoa producers and chocolate makers together, to promote the sensorial characteristics representative of high quality, and foster the maintenance of cocoa diversity.
Some 22 producing countries from four geographical zones (Asia-Pacific, Central America-Caribbean, South America and West Africa) participated this year: 119 cocoa bean samples were received and analysed by CIRAD, which also had a stand geared towards cocoa producers and chocolate makers.
An international jury then selected 50 exceptional cocoas that were made into chocolate according to a strict protocol, and presented at the Salon du Chocolat.
Sixteen prizes for remarkable sensorial quality
An initial jury of 20 chocolate professionals assessed the 50 cocoas selected, and twelve prizes were awarded (three per geographical zone), according to clearly defined sensorial characteristics:
• Asia-Pacific
Malaysia (2): "spicy" and "chocolate"
Papua New Guinea: "dried fruit"
• Central America-Caribbean
Mexico: "fresh fruit"
Dominican Republic: "woody"
Trinidad: "spicy"
• South America
Ecuador: "floral"
Brazil: "dried fruit"
Colombia: "sweet"
• West Africa
Côte d’Ivoire: "fresh fruit"
Togo: "dried fruit"
Cameroon: "chocolate"
Four special prizes were awarded by a jury of expert tasters (journalists, critics, etc), to Malaysia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Cameroon.
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