Costa Rican Cocoa Producers Take Home Awards at SICACAO 2024

As the winds of 2024 whisper toward a close, Costa Rica once more proved its excellence in cocoa at the First Regional Cocoa and Chocolate Quality Contest—SICACAO 2024.  

This contest, held in Antigua, Guatemala, welcomed participants from eight nations in Central America and the Dominican Republic to compete in top cocoa and chocolate production.  

Two companies stood out for this country: Sibö Chocolate took the first prize in the dark category, and Finca La Dorada in sixth place for its cocoa beans. These wins are a testament to Costa Rica’s growing reputation for producing premium cocoa products, renowned not just regionally but globally.   

The event showcased 15 dark chocolate and 18 cocoa bean samples, representing the best regional production. Producers could now showcase flavor and quality in their production, enhancing Central America’s reputation in the international cocoa and chocolate market.  

For Costa Rica, such awards stand as a testament to the dedication and passion of local producers who have worked for years to develop some of the finest cocoa. 

Sibö Chocolate, founded in 2007, is proud to produce 100% Costa Rican chocolate from locally grown cocoa. Taking the competition on the world stage, Sibö has become synonymous with quality and creativity in chocolate-making. Gaining tremendous exposure in global markets, the high-quality cocoa of Fincas La Dorada, Trinitario, and low cadmium received well-deserved recognition at all levels.  

Winning the applause of winners like Fernando Vargas, vice minister of agriculture and livestock in Costa Rica, said, “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to producing high-quality products, where every detail is crucial for achieving both national and international acclaim.” The SICACAO contest, announced in May 2024, sought to promote the regional development of the cocoa industry while sharing the distinctive qualities of Central American and Dominican cocoa. 

For future opportunities, this success holds much promise for opening new doors for the cocoa industry in Costa Rica, which is more privileged than any other to access the most demanding international markets.  

As Vargas added, Costa Rica is admired not only for its natural beauty but now also for its top agricultural products. World demand for premium chocolate is soaring, and local cocoa producers are on their way to becoming world leaders – a promising scene for the near future of Costa Rican cocoa.