Climbing into the "Top 50 in the World": Costa Rica's cocoa bean flavor praised

According to a report by Costa Rican news website "diariocr" on the 5th, a total of 191 types of cocoa beans from 45 countries and regions participated in this event. All cocoa bean samples underwent rigorous evaluation, and the process followed standardized principles to ensure fairness.

The Costa Rican cocoa beans that made it into the "Top 50 Cocoa Beans in the World" list this year come from Hacienda Dos Lagunas in Siquirres, Limón. This variety was selected along with four other cocoa beans to represent Costa Rica in the competition and ultimately stood out.

Fernando Vargas Pérez, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica, emphasized the importance of this achievement for the international status of Costa Rican cocoa beans: "This recognition not only honors the efforts of our cocoa-producing families but also proves the potential of our cocoa-growing regions. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will continue to adopt practical policies and actions to support the cocoa-growing industry, improve quality and innovation capabilities, and expand differentiated markets."

Hacienda Dos Lagunas is located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. The judges praised the cocoa beans produced there, stating that they "offer a highly complex sensory experience to the taster, with an elegant, smooth, full, and balanced cocoa bean flavor; its intense floral aroma reminds one of roses, combined with the acidity of fruits, with the flavors of plums, cherries, and black grapes being particularly prominent."

In 2019, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) rated Costa Rican cocoa beans as "100% premium export quality." This recognition provided international exposure for Costa Rican cocoa growers, opened up new markets, and offered opportunities to connect with more processors and buyers.

The cocoa beans from Hacienda Dos Lagunas will enter the next stage of evaluation in December of this year, where they will be processed into dark chocolate and blind-tasted by a panel of international cocoa bean and chocolate experts. This blind evaluation will select the gold, silver, and bronze awards for this year's "Excellence Cocoa Beans" International Competition, with the final results to be announced on February 20, 2026.

The complete list of the "Top 50 Cocoa Beans in the World" can be accessed at https://www.cacaoofexcellence.org/2025-awards/2025-best-50.