EVENT NEWS Global cacao sector tests quality
bean samples from 45 producing countries through laboratory analysis, standardised chocolate transformation, and blind sensory testing by a jury of 38 international cocoa and chocolate experts. The Best 50 cacaos were presented as individual chocolates in the Cacao of Excellence Treasure Box, offering a unique snapshot of global cocoa diversity. “Cacao connects livelihoods,
biodiversity and global food systems. Recognising quality helps producers
The Cacao of Excellence Awards recognised the world’s top cocoa producers, highlighting how quality differentiation is helping farmers secure higher-value relationships amid climate pressures and volatile markets. The 2026 edition evaluated 191 cocoa
show the value of their work and build more stable futures in a sector under real pressure,” said Stephan Weise, Programme Director, Cacao of Excellence. Through national competitions
coordinated by 45 National Organisation Committees, participating farmers gained
international visibility, positioning their cocoa for differentiated markets and premium pricing. “The Awards create a shared way to talk about excellence. When cocoa is evaluated internationally, buyers see producers’ work differently and new opportunities arise,” added Julien Simonis, Programme Manager. Beyond the competition, the programme
supports research and training to strengthen local expertise in cocoa evaluation, building a global reference for quality similar to specialty coffee. The Awards ceremony took place at
the Beurs van Berlage Convention Centre during Amsterdam Cocoa Week, with regional sessions for Asia & Pacific, Africa & Indian Ocean, South America, and Central America & Caribbean.
BCMPA highlights the power of outsourcing and the growing dialogue
The BCMPA – the Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics – believes that this year’s Contract Pack & Fulfilment Show firmly underlined the strength of outsourcing specialists and the vital role they play in the packaging supply chain. The exhibition, co-located with Packaging Innovations &
Empack, also highlighted the extraordinary entrepreneurial talent in the industry with start-ups looking for third parties to take their business to the next level. It was a theme endorsed by the debut of the BCMPA sponsored Pitch the Co-Packers Final, which took place on the Supply Chain Stage. The Dragons’ Den style competition showcased the many ways
that outsourcing helps young brands with their packaging and supply chain, enabling them to focus on their own business plans. The winner was Renata Sá, founder of HANGOV, a new wellness brand offering a Brazilian-style preparation drink designed to support the body before alcohol consumption. “This year’s Contract Pack & Fulfilment Show put forward the
positive case our members can make to assisting brands and retailers – big or small,” said Emma Verkaik, CEO of the BCMPA. “We are building a community of businesses with the expertise that can unlock the true potential of a brand. Start-ups taking their first steps need our members’ help to get their product to market. Without supply chain specialists – including contract packers, manufacturers, and ecommerce and fulfilment specialists – it does not matter how good the packaging is; you need to get your products out efficiently and safely. Using the expertise of third parties enables and accelerates this process. “It’s why Pitch the Co-Packers was such a success. Not only
were the four finalists incredibly passionate about their brand, with compelling and inspirational stories, it showcased what our members can do to assist them. Congratulations to Renata for her impressive pitch – a worthy winner.” In addition, Emma was among the judges for the Future
Trailblazer Awards, which this year was won by Dhruvi Thakkar of Sleeve Office. “Supporting young entrepreneurs benefits the entire supply
chain,” said Emma. “I was heartened at just how much exciting, ambitious talent is out there. Congratulations to Dhruvi who demonstrates that the future for the packaging industry is bright.” The 21st edition of Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026
attracted 8,021 unique visitors, an 8% increase on the previous year according to the show’s organiser Easyfairs. This year’s edition also featured over 500 exhibitors, highlighting the exhibition’s rapid growth and increasing industry relevance. Demand for third-party partnerships is as strong as ever despite challenging economic headwinds and concern over the direction of industry-wide packaging regulation, particularly Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). But despite this uncertainty, the show underlined the knowledge of contract manufacturers and their ability to innovate irrespective of the market conditions. The conversation over the impact of EPR, plus a wide range of
other topics, will continue at this year’s BCMPA Conference which takes place at the Oxford Belfry from 31 March – 1 April.
FEBRUARY 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 9
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