SWEET TAKES FROM
CHOCOA 2025

HAPPY HIGHLIGHTS, INTERESTING INSIGHTS AND FLAVOURFUL FORESIGHTS

CHOCOA 2025 REWIND ⏪
CACAO FLAVOURS? FARMERS AND THEIR FUTURE

With so much happening at Chocoa this year, it’s hard to sum it all up (and not leave anyone out) but here’s a taste of what made it special for us: the happy highlights ▶️, the interesting insights ⏸️, and the future forecasts ⏩ -all wrapped up in one unforgettable experience.

From February 4-7, the Trade Fair, Conference, Forum, and Masterclasses brought together those who value cacao flavours, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Farmers’ Day, hands-on tastings, and in-depth explorations of terroir, genetics, and post-harvest techniques were complemented by keynotes on regulatory developments like DD and EUDR -sharing knowledge that matters. It was the place for chocolate professionals eager to make a meaningful impact.

For us at SILVA, it was -and always is, about connecting our amazing farmers with artist-like chocolate makers, sharing bold flavours, deep insights, and forward-thinking perspectives. More than just a fair, Chocoa is the place where craftsmanship, knowledge, and future-minded conversations come together -exactly where we love to be -making a lasting impact.

CHOCOA 2025 REWIND ⏪

HAPPY HIGHLIGHTS, INTERESTING INSIGHTS & FUTURE FORECASTS

HAPPY HIGHLIGHTS▶️
SMILES FROM THE FARM

For the first time in cacao history, farmers are smiling about cacao prices! Producers from Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, and even the Philippines shared their relief over fairer market dynamics. It’s been a long time coming in an industry historically plagued by low prices and inequity.

However, as with any shift, the ripple effects vary: while some farmers are reinvesting in sustainable practices, others tread more cautiously. The complexity and limitations of government-controlled system -like those in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, still present challenges in ensuring fair earnings trickle down to farmers.

What we know for sure? Smiling farmers mean we’re heading in the right direction. But sustainable reinvestment is the key to keeping those smiles for the long haul.

Plenty of smiles at Chocoa -not just in the fields, but in Amsterdam too!
At many chocolate events, cacao producers’ voices are often missing. That’s why we were glad to see so many of ‘our local heroes’ not just attending Chocoa but actively participating -joining panels, speaking at side events, and sharing their insights. They were heard, met with genuine interest, and respected for the work they do. And that, of course, made everyone smile -especially us at SILVA Cacao!

Extremely proud and grateful! A huge shout-out to all our local heroes, with a special thank you to those who joined us at Chocoa: Rodrigo & Brian from Venezuela, Gerald, Edrisa, and the Trias team from Uganda, Kelly, Arcell & Chef Laethi from the Philippines, Simran from Tanzania, Ryan working in Thailand, and Ellen & Luca from GoGround India! It was a pleasure having you there -so many great conversations, good energy, and big smiles all around!

INTERESTING INSIGHTS▶️
THE OLDEST MODEL MELTS AWAY

The cracks in the old “production-first” cacao model are undeniable. Climate change, years of underinvestment, and imbalanced farming practices have left us with fragile systems that are taking a toll on our planet.

But there’s good news: sustainable farming practices are showing resilience in the face of extreme weather, and it’s clear that a new approach is needed. At SILVA Cacao, we’ve always championed sustainable solutions, connecting farmers and makers with a shared focus on flavour, farmers, forests, and the future.

The message is clear: business-as-usual just won’t cut it anymore. The time to adapt, innovate, and create positive change is now -and that’s exactly what we’re here to do.

INTERESTING INSIGHTS▶️>> FUTURE FORECAST⏩

BUSINESS REDEFINED

At Chocoa, we were thrilled to witness companies rethinking their business models with quality, flavour diversity, sustainability and community at their core. From new chocolate partners to deeper connections with value-driven producers, this shift validates the role we at SILVA Cacao play in the value chain.

When your business is built for the future, you’re not just surviving change -you’re thriving with it. Our mission to connect amazing cacao producers with passionate chocolate makers is resonating on a broader scale. And the proof was in the tastings.

INTERESTING INSIGHTS▶️
THE SWEET CHALLENGE OF QUALITY CACAO

It’s great to see that there’s a growing interest in quality, and the people behind the cacao, our commitment to flavour, farmers, forests, and the future is really starting to resonate on a bigger scale. Quality is always top of the list -more and more. But, let’s be real, it’s not always as easy as it sounds.

For farmers, it’s still a challenge. With climate change causing disruptions, it’s tough to maintain a consistent flow of high-quality cacao. And let’s face it -the financial rewards aren’t always sweet enough to keep them going, especially in a market with record-high cacao prices, where the share of quality premiums is smaller in relative terms, even if stable in absolute terms.

But here’s the silver lining: when you surround yourself with cacao experts who share their knowledge and passion, and focus on fostering a quality-driven mindset, it’s absolutely possible to create and trade top-notch, flavour-packed cacao that artisan chocolate makers can refine and perfect. It’s a challenge, but one that’s definitely worth taking on!

INTERESTING INSIGHTS▶️>>HAPPY HIGHLIGHT

FLAVOUR FLIGHTS : EMBARKING ON A TASTY JOURNEY CELEBRATING LOCAL HEROES, DIVERSE FLAVOURS AND UNIQUE TEXTURES

At Chocoa, we made sure to celebrate quality cacao and its dazzling flavour diversity with a series of ‘Flavour Flights’. These tastings took our attendees on a sky-high ride through cacao’s complexities, with vertical and horizontal comparisons on flavour, texture and harvest years.

From the Philippine crew (AURO team: Kelly, Arcello & Chef Laethi) to the Uganda crew (Gerald, Edrisa & the Trias team), our origin cacao partners were the perfect stewards on this journey -sharing their incredible stories, bringing their work to life, and making the Flavour Flight experience truly bean-to-bar… and beyond.
Meanwhile, our trusted partners and sweet friends at ZOTO and Chocolatoa were standing by as in-flight entertainers -always ready to explain and engage, from post-harvest techniques to the skilled craft of chocolate making. Their passion and expertise made sure every passenger discovered the true depth of cacao, one bite (or sip) at a time.

Just like wine flights, our ‘flavour flights’ were designed to explore cacao’s vast complexity and diversity. But because this is SILVA Cacao, we took it to new heights! Attendees were handed boarding passes and flown to ‘destinations’ of Cacao Flavour, with our very own Chefs de Cabine, Katrien & Jan -guiding the great crew and sweet passengers through the whole experience.

We compared harvest years, genetic selections, and textures, giving everyone a deeper understanding of the know-how and artistry behind the beans. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with the energy in the cabin reaching new heights, highlighting just how brilliant our farmer partners are and how their post-harvest protocols truly make their cacao shine. The overpacked cabin was buzzing as we showcased the dedication and passion behind each bean -and the local heroes who make it all happen.

From takeoff to landing, it was a sweet, unforgettable journey, with plenty of inflight interactive entertainment, that left everyone eager for the next flavour-packed adventure! A huge shout-out to the crew and passengers of Flight AURO063, with destination Philippines, and Flight UG256, with destination East Africa. Thank you for joining us on these flavourful journeys -these Cacao Flavour Flights are ones we’ll never forget! We appreciate your cooperation and smooth flying at cruising altitude. Until next time, keep your seatbelts fastened for the next Cacao Flavour Adventures!

INTERESTING INSIGHTS▶️>>FUTURE FORCAST ⏩

THE NEXT DESTINATION : MAKING IMPACT TOGETHER

As the curtains closed on Chocoa 2025, one thing was crystal clear: we were ‘in good company’.
From Flavour Flights to masterclasses and keynotes, SILVA Cacao’s presence is a testament to our vision to create a better future for cacao and chocolate by making meaningful impact connecting cacao farmers and chocolate makers.

The journey doesn’t end here. Day in, day out, we’re driven by our local heroes and artisan chocolate makers. Together, we’re making impact with and beyond Chocoa -year after year.
Here’s to Flavour, Farmers, Forests, and the Future -along with a little fun as we cruise with our Cacao Family and Friends along the journey !