Cocoa of Excellence Awards. A film premiere and photographic exhibition at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris.
A project developed in collaboration with Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), within the framework of the Cocoa of Excellence Programme. These institutions, working closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), lead global initiatives to strengthen agricultural biodiversity, promote sustainable food systems, and safeguard the genetic resources that shape the future of our planet.
Play the movie.
Cocoa of Excellence exists to unlock the potential of cacao quality
Within this framework, our work focused not only on documenting but also on helping create awareness among cocoa farmers about the importance of preserving, protecting, and cultivating native cacao varieties. These local genetic treasures — often passed down through generations — are vital to the resilience, flavor diversity, and sustainability of agriculture today and tomorrow.
The guardians of flavours.
Rancho Grande Cocoa Plantation. Los Ríos Province, Ecuador. Photo by ©Ivo+Ana
Kumba, Suroeste de Camerun, 2014. ©kromaimages/ivo+ana. Alrededores de Kumba. Una agricultora cruza un puente hecho de lianas cargando en su espalda cacao fresco recien cosechado tapado por hojas de platano.
Cocoa of Excellence
Through a photographic and film documentary project, we portrayed the farmers, landscapes, and traditions that define excellence in cocoa.
Each story reflected a deep respect for biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the enduring relationship between people and land.
Salon du Chocolat
The project culminated in a photographic exhibition and documentary presentation at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris, inviting audiences to rediscover the origins of chocolate through the eyes of those who nurture its roots — a tribute to diversity, knowledge, and the shared vision of a more sustainable future.
