Events Chocoa 2025
In February 2025 Chocoa will host a full week of knowledge and networking. Are you ready to join us? Check our schedule below and grab your tickets.
Check our Events
Thursday 6th February
Grand Diner du Chocolat
19:00 to 23:00
The Grand Diner du Chocolat is a celebration of cocoa and chocolate, an evening of surprising and exquisite taste combinations. You will embark on a gastronomic journey at the Hilton Amsterdam with an extraordinary duo of chefs. Each dish created will be a masterpiece, blending the finest cocoa & chocolate with innovative culinary techniques.
After the immense success of the previous Chocoa dinner, we are so pleased to announce that Chef Enrique Limardo will join us again from Washington DC to create another extraordinary culinary journey. We welcome you for an unforgettable Grand Diner du Chocolat experience. With a palate that dances through flavours and creativity that knows no bounds, Chef Enrique Limardo promises to exhilarate your taste buds and elevate your evening to gourmet perfection.
This professional networking dinner for the industry will gather over 215 participants from all parts of the world and throughout the cocoa value chain. An excellent opportunity to combine fine dining while expanding your network.
Book your table for a night of building new connections and business opportunities, all while enjoying culinary creativity!
Chef Enrique Limardo
Chef Enrique Limardo is commonly credited as the pioneer of modern Venezuelan cooking in the U.S. He is only the second Venezuelan chef in the U.S. to receive a Michelin star and his restaurant Seven Reasons,was named one of the most important restaurants of the decade by Esquire. (Limardo has a second D.C. restaurant, Imperfecto, as well).
Through his approach to make an impact in the world and help immigrants, especially from Latin America in the United States, he uses food as a means for change.
Chef Limardo holds 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, owns two restaurants and makes impact in the world through his cooking, innovation, and cooperations with different NGOs to help immigrants and young chefs.
“Food isn’t just about nourishment or taste. It is those things, but it’s also a reflection of culture and can be used to ignite change. When you cook or share a meal with someone, amazing things can happen. You just might change someone’s entire world.”
Note: Dinner tickets can only be purchased in combination to other Chocoa events. Only available for professionals and company registration is required.
Wednesday 5th - Friday 7th February
Chocolate Makers' Forum
13:30 to 17:00
Chocolate Makers meet at the annual Chocolate Makers Forum, discussing the latest topics to develop their market and business and sharing learnings amongst peers.
This is more than an event; it's a melting pot of ideas, innovation and collaboration. Connect with fellow makers, discuss challenges and discover new techniques to elevate your chocolate craft. ⠀
Don't just hear about it, be there! Secure your spot now for an immersive chocolate experience.
Tuesday 4th - Wednesday 5th February
Financial Course for Cacao Entrepreneurs: Money is not a problem!
09:00 to 17:00
This intensive 2-day finance course is designed to equip cacao entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the industry. From mastering the basics of financial management to securing the right type of capital for your business, this course will guide you through every critical step of the process. Whether you're exploring traditional loans, pre-financing for export cooperatives, CAPEX loans for infrastructure at origin or climate finance, understanding the right funding sources is crucial. You'll also learn how to effectively structure financial deals, create compelling pitch decks based on expert and peer feedback and identify strategies for risk management specific to the cacao industry.
All in all, our finance course will guide you through these critical steps, ensuring you are well-prepared to secure the necessary funds for your cacao business and #MakeAnImpact.
By the end of the course, participants will:
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Master essential financial principles and tools specific to the cacao industry
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Identify and evaluate the best sources of capital, including traditional loans, pre-financing and climate finance
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Develop strategies to mitigate financial risks within the cacao supply chain
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Gain hands-on experience in crafting and delivering impactful business pitches
Tuesday 4th February
European Markets Academy
09:00 to 17:00
Become a master in cocoa exporting to the European market.
This course is designed for participants hailing from outside Europe, offering invaluable tools and insights for comprehending the nuances of the European market. It aims to equip participants with the essential knowledge required for a successful entry into the European market. The first part of each program kicks off with lectures and the second part consists of excursions in or around Amsterdam to visit cocoa and chocolate industry players. We have three tracks:
Track 1: Cacao Producers Course
Track 2: Cacao Processors Course
Track 3: Chocolate Makers Course
Any individual eager to learn about the relevant regulations and procedures to sell on the European market is welcome to attend.
The EMA is known to sell out fast, so don’t wait—lock in your spot for 2025 now before the excursions fill up!
Wednesday 5 - Friday 7 February
Trade Fair
10:00 to 18:00
The world’s largest trade event dedicated to sustainable cocoa, cocoa products and related services, with a proven track record of success for exhibitors and visitors alike.
More than 100 stands and over 2750 professionals from all over the world. A tailored event showcasing specialists of every step of the cocoa value chain.
Meet top industry players, explore new business opportunities and showcase your products to a global audience. Build connections that matter!
From €40,00 (Gain free access to the trade fair with the purchase of any other B2B event ticket)
Thursday 6th - Friday 7th February
Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference
09:00 to 17:00
Are we ready for a new era for the cocoa and chocolate industry? - We're not just talking about sustainability; we're leading the change.
The Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference 2025 at Chocoa brings together global leaders of the cocoa and chocolate industry, authorities of main cocoa producing and chocolate consuming countries, representatives of cocoa farmers, NGOs, innovative service providers and the research community. As independent platform we aim to bring latest evidence, nuance and inspiration to our professional audience, guiding the sector into a new era.
We have scheduled several interactive panel discussions, featuring expert speakers from different countries of origin, representing different stakeholders and perceptions.
The first days of this year's Conference will focus more on sector-wide developments and structural challenges and responses of global industry, while the second day puts cocoa producers at the heart of the discussion. Visitors of the Conference can also benefit from two late-afternoon sessions organized as part of the Chocolate Makers’ Forum on Chocolate Tourism and Cocoa Quality.
Join us for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration!
In 2025, the conference will take place in the Effectenbeurszaal (350+). So, we anticipate a full house - Secure your spot now!
Conference tickets include: Ticket to the Chocolate Makers Forum, the Trade Fair, lunch and coffee breaks.
Friday 7th February
Culinary Masterclasses
11:30 to 18:00
Dive into the rich and delicious world of chocolate with our expert Masterclasses. Designed for baristas, gelato makers, chefs and culinary enthusiasts, these classes offer a comprehensive exploration of the various uses of chocolate and cacao in the culinary arts. Think of cocoa based drinks and cocktails, savoury dishes, the use of cocoa pulp and fibres, chocolate sorbets and more.
The three masterclasses of Chocoa will each have a different focus to inspire you on the use of cocoa and chocolate, inviting you beyond your boundaries.
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Cacao based drinks (11.30 - 13.15)
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Making Gelato with Cacao (14.00 - 15.45)
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Cocktails with Cacao (16.15 – 18.00)
Masterclasses pass from € 210,00 (or € 95,00 each)
Join us at the Chocoa Chocolate Festival, where chocolate lovers come together to celebrate the finest chocolates from around the globe.
Taking place on February 8-9, 2025, at the iconic Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, this is your chance to experience the true art of chocolate making.
What to Expect:
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Explore around 100 Stands
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Enjoy guided tastings and workshops to dive deep into the world of fine chocolate.
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Participate in the Hot Chocolate Awards, engage in interactive masterclasses and witness live demonstrations by industry experts.
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Learn about the journey of chocolate from bean to bar, with stories from cocoa farmers and chocolate makers from around the world.
Whether you’re a chocolate enthusiast, a foodie, or just curious, the Chocoa Chocolate Festival is the perfect way to spend your weekend indulging in the sweet and sustainable side of chocolate.
We are thrilled to meet you again for an exciting evening dedicated to the different roles women have throughout the entire cocoa & chocolate value chain. In our connected value chain we can’t work without eachother.
Together with Laurence Koutny (Art of Chocolate) we will showcase and promote the women within the cocoa industry.
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Dive into the diverse roles and pathways, from farming and production to marketing and sustainability up to the consumer experience.
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Hear from leading women who will share their personal stories, insights, and advice.
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Connect with like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and employers.
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Build valuable relationships that can help you advance your career and make a positive impact in the cocoa industry.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this evening is designed to inspire you on your career journey in cocoa & chocolate. You will leave this event feeling inspired, informed, perhaps even to take the next step in your career.
WINCC Event "Women in the cocoa & chocolate value chain”
Wednesday 5 February 19.00-21.00
Thank you for joining us, and making sure you have the best start to grow your connections and impact in the upcoming days of the Amsterdam Cocoa Week…
Please note this is a women only event, register before 2 February.
Registration is through the Chocoa ticket page scrolling down, the ticket called WINCC.
Women in Cocoa and Chocolate
Wednesday 5th February
Timeline
19.00 Doors open
19.15 Welcome word by Caroline Lubbers (WINCC)
19.25 Presentation by Laurence Koutny (Art of Chocolate) – ‘Women across the cocoa value chain’Inspirational speakers - women in cocoa & chocolate, sharing and discussions
20.10 Update WINCC Network, vision & next steps
20.20 Wrap up and closure
20.30 Drinks and bites & music
21.00 End
