Scientist Evert Thomas receives MIDAGRI award for his contributions to Peruvian cacao

The award ceremony took place during the 16th Edition of the International Cacao and Chocolate Show 2025, held this year under the theme “Cacao: Peru’s Heritage to the World”. On behalf of Evert, the medal was received by Marleni Ramírez, representative of the Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT in Peru.

Along with Evert, Quirino Oliveira and Sixto Imán were also awarded for their contributions to raising awareness of Peru as a center of origin and early domestication of cacao in the Americas, and for their work in conserving the crop’s genetic resources in the country, respectively.

“Receiving this award alongside my distinguished colleagues Quirino Olivera and Sixto Iman is a great honor and privilege. We are just beginning to reveal many more secrets that Peru’s cacao diversity holds. Secrets that hold value not only for science, but also for improving farmers’ livelihoods through better incomes and increased productivity,” says Evert.