Cameroon cocoa quality boosted with new verifier training

In a decisive move to sharpen Cameroon’s competitive edge in the global cocoa market, the Office National du Cacao et du Café (ONCC) has successfully trained 35 export warehouse verifiers in Douala. The initiative, conducted in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), concluded on June 26, 2026, with a three-day workshop focused on advanced sampling, quality control, and export warehouse management.

Didime Olivier Tchoumi, Senior Technical Advisor at UNIDO, highlighted that this training is part of Cameroon’s broader strategy to elevate the quality and reputation of its cocoa and coffee in international markets. The program is supported by the Japan-funded PICS-Cameroun project, which aims to strengthen the country’s agricultural export value chain through capacity building and technical innovation.

The timing of this initiative is particularly significant as Cameroon celebrates a major milestone in its cocoa industry. On February 20, 2026, a Cameroonian cocoa sample clinched the gold medal at the 10th Cacao of Excellence Awards, held alongside the prestigious Chocoa Trade Fair. The award, granted after rigorous evaluation by an international jury, recognized Cameroon’s sample (No. 167) as the finest in the Africa & Indian Ocean category among 191 entries from 45 origins. This achievement follows a bronze medal secured in 2023, signaling a clear upward trajectory in Cameroon’s cocoa quality and market competitiveness.

The accolade is more than symbolic—it underscores Cameroon’s emergence as a producer of premium, fine-flavor cocoa that meets the exacting standards of high-end chocolate makers and specialty markets. Such distinctions often translate into higher price premiums compared to conventional bulk cocoa, providing tangible economic benefits for local producers. Additionally, the recognition is expected to spur further investment in traceability systems, technical training, and cooperative structuring—key pillars for sustaining this upward trend and ensuring long-term benefits for the cocoa sector.

The cocoa and coffee sectors remain vital to Cameroon’s economy, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and export revenues. By investing in human capital and quality assurance, stakeholders are positioning the country to capture a larger share of the lucrative fine-flavor cocoa market, where taste, authenticity, and sustainability drive demand and pricing.