The National Office for Cocoa and Coffee (ONCC), in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), completed a training session for 35 export warehouse inspectors on 26 June 2026 in Douala.
Over three days, from 24 to 26 June, participants improved their skills in sampling techniques, quality control, and management of cocoa warehouses for export. According to Didime Olivier Tchoumi, UNIDO’s principal technical adviser, the initiative aims to make Cameroonian cocoa and coffee more competitive in global markets. The training is part of the PICS-Cameroun project, funded by Japan.
Cameroonian cocoa scored one of its greatest international victories on Tuesday, 20 February 2026, winning the gold medal at the 10th Cacao of Excellence Awards, held alongside the prestigious Chocoa Trade Fair. This major annual gathering of the cocoa and chocolate industry brought together nearly 191 samples from 45 origins, evaluated for quality, sustainability, and sensory profile.
Of the submitted products, only 50 lots were singled out by an international jury of sensory and industry experts. Sample number 167, representing Cameroon, reached the top of the podium in the Africa & Indian Ocean category.
For Cameroon, this success follows a bronze recognition in 2023, confirming an upward trend and improved qualitative competitiveness of its beans in the ‘fine and flavour’ premium segments. There, taste, authenticity, and sustainability criteria determine prices, which are often higher than for traditional commodity cocoa.
Beyond the medal itself, this distinction strengthens Cameroon’s image as a terroir capable of producing exceptional cocoas, in line with growing demand from high-end chocolatiers and specialized international markets. It could also encourage more investment in traceability, technical training, and cooperative structuring — essential factors to sustainably turn this quality performance into tangible economic benefits for local farmers.
