Sustainable Cocoa Innovation Challenge Winners: Forging a sustainable future for Colombia's cocoa industry

Launched in August 2023, the Sustainable Cocoa Innovation Challenge  aimed to empower entrepreneurs committed to preserving forests and advancing peace within the cocoa sector. The overwhelming response—393 applications and 87 nominations—showcased a wave of innovative solutions, reflecting a strong commitment to gender inclusivity and youth engagement.

The Challenge targeted early-stage innovations within Colombia’s cocoa value chain contributing to one or more of the following priority areas: sustainable sourcing; quality and traceability; sustainable farming practices and productivity; processing and value adding; market access and distribution; social empowerment and inclusion through cocoa value chain processes. It was a call for transformative ideas that fostered inclusivity and sustainability across the industry.