Project partner Cacao Okapi earns Bronze at Cocoa of Excellence Awards

It is the first time a Congolese producer has won an award at the prestigious global competition.

February 2024: Cacao Okapi, a partner in CBI's Shade Grown Cocoa Project in DRC, won Bronze at the Cocoa of Excellence Awards in Amsterdam. They are the first Congolese cocoa producer to win in the 15 year history of the event. Aside from being a phenomenal achievement--which is it--is is also proof that DRC can produce world class cocoa. Congrats to the farmers and the cooperative who grow and harvest fantastic cocoa, often in challenging circumstances. Silva Cacao also deserves credit for being an amazing partner who was able to see the opportunity when many others saw only risk. Finally, the team at Rikolto, who have been tireless in building the capacity of Cacao Okapi and promoting Congolese cocoa globally.

This project is supposed by the U.S. Agency for International Development, and previously by the Packard Foundation.