Auro Chocolate has added another accolade to its growing list of achievements, securing a Silver Award at the 2025 Cacao of Excellence Awards. The award highlights the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability in cacao production, with Davao City’s David Christopher Dela Serna, one of Auro’s partner farmers, recognized for cultivating Regalo, one of the brand’s signature cacao beans.

Recognition of Excellence in Cacao Production

The 2025 Cacao of Excellence Awards. Held in Amsterdam. Are the most prestigious awards in the cacao industry; the event, hosted at Chocoa, the leading trade fair and conference for high-quality and sustainable chocolate, reviewed 191 samples from 45 origins around the world. After an 18-month blind evaluation process, 50 entries were recognized for their quality and performance, with Auro Chocolate’s Regalo cacao beans among them.

Dela Serna. A farmer from Barangay Tacunan in Davao City, has worked with Auro Chocolate for years to improve the quality of his cacao beans; his efforts have focused on maintaining sustainability, traceability, and craftsmanship throughout the production process. This marks the third time a partner farmer from Auro has received such an award, following previous recognitions in 2019 and 2023.

The award ceremony took place last month, with the official results announced during the Chocoa event, as the Cacao of Excellence Awards have long been a benchmark for quality in the cacao industry, drawing participants from around the world. For Auro Chocolate. The win reinforces its position as a leader in producing high-quality, ethically sourced cacao.

Impact on Trade and Industry

The win is significant for Auro Chocolate and the broader cacao industry. By recognizing the work of farmers like Dela Serna, the awards highlight the importance of sustainable and ethical cacao production. This recognition can help elevate the profile of local farmers and open new markets for their products.

Auro Chocolate’s success in winning multiple awards demonstrates the potential for small-scale and medium-sized producers to compete on a global stage. The cacao industry has seen a growing demand for ethically sourced and high-quality beans, driven by increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and fair trade practices.

According to industry analysts, the global cacao market is expected to grow by 4.5% annually through 2027, driven by rising demand from the confectionery and beverage sectors. Awards like the Cacao of Excellence can play a serious role in shaping consumer perceptions and driving this growth.

The recognition also benefits the local economy in Davao City, where Dela Serna and other farmers are able to access international markets and premium prices for their cacao. This can lead to increased income for farming communities and encourage more sustainable agricultural practices.

What Analysts Say

Experts in the chocolate and cacao industry have praised Auro Chocolate’s achievements. ‘This award is a clear indicator of the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability,’ said a spokesperson for a leading chocolate trade organization. ‘It sets a benchmark for other producers and demonstrates the value of investing in local partnerships and ethical farming practices.’

The win also reflects a broader trend in the food industry, where consumers are increasingly seeking transparency and ethical sourcing. This has led to a shift in consumer behavior, with more people willing to pay a premium for products that align with their values.

For Auro Chocolate, the recognition is both a milestone and a stepping stone. The brand has previously won the Top 20 Best Cacao Beans Award in 2019 and a Silver Award in 2023, each time with different partner farmers from Davao. This pattern of success shows the consistency and reliability of the brand’s cacao production.

Looking ahead, Auro Chocolate plans to exploit its recent win to expand its market reach. The company is in discussions with international chocolate manufacturers and retailers who are interested in sourcing high-quality cacao beans from sustainable and ethical sources.

The brand also aims to continue supporting local farmers, providing them with training and resources to improve their production methods. This aligns with the company’s long-term goal of promoting sustainable agriculture and creating a more resilient cacao supply chain.

The Cacao of Excellence Awards are expected to continue growing in influence, with more countries and regions participating in future editions. This could lead to increased competition and innovation in the cacao industry, benefiting both producers and consumers.

It also highlights the potential for small-scale farmers to achieve global recognition and success through quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. The win by Auro Chocolate and its partner farmer David Christopher Dela Serna shows the importance of collaboration between chocolate brands and local producers.