Five Taiwanese cocoa farmers selected for international competition
Thirty samples were submitted to Taiwan’s 2026 selection, with farmers from Pingtung, Changhua and Nantou advancing to represent Taiwan in the global evaluation.
【TAIPEI, Oct. 25】 Five Taiwanese cocoa farmers have been selected for the 2027 Cacao of Excellence (CoEx) international cocoa competition and will represent Taiwan in the global evaluation. The Pingtung County Government said the selection highlights the development of Taiwan’s cocoa industry in flavor quality and refined processing, while helping raise the profile of locally produced cocoa in the international fine-cocoa market.
According to a Central News Agency report, the 2026 Taiwan CoEx selection received 30 cocoa bean samples. After tests covering appearance, moisture content and pesticide residues, 13 samples advanced to sensory evaluation. They were processed into cocoa liquor and chocolate flakes using standardized roasting, grinding and tempering procedures for the judges to compare.
The gold medal went to Mo Chia-wei of Lao Mo Cocoa in Pingtung County. Shih Shu-chin of Huirui Cocoa Farm in Changhua County won silver, while Lin Cheng-hung of Siwei Cocoa Workshop in Nantou County took bronze. Lai Hsi-hsien of My Coffee Chocolate in Pingtung and Chuang Hui-fang of Doudou Fragrant Cocoa Estate, also in Pingtung, received honorable mentions and were selected for the international competition delegation.
The evaluation covered flavor characteristics including aroma, acidity, bitterness and astringency. Organizers said these criteria help assess the quality and flavor profile of cocoa beans and enable comparisons based on relevant CoEx standards.
CoEx, one of the major international cocoa competitions, is held every two years. Entrants typically must first qualify through a national or regional selection before advancing to the international evaluation. Taiwan won two silver medals and one bronze at the 2025 CoEx competition.
Taiwan’s cocoa industry remains small compared with those of the major producing countries, but farmers are gradually establishing a niche in the fine-cocoa market through variety management, cultivation techniques, fermentation control and improved processing quality. For agricultural producers, international competitions offer more than a chance to win awards; they also provide opportunities for professional evaluation and greater market exposure.
According to information released by the Pingtung County Government, the 13 samples that advanced to sensory evaluation are expected to be made into fine chocolate and displayed in the Pingtung cocoa exhibition area at the Taiwan International Coffee Show, which will take place from Nov. 13 to 16.