Madagascar's cocoa is globally recognized for its exceptional quality. Madagascar now belongs to the exclusive circle of countries recognized as 100% Fine or Flavor Cocoa origin by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). This distinction, obtained through efforts by the National Cocoa Council in partnership with sector stakeholders, guarantees Malagasy cocoa a high-value-added product status. This rare global distinction marks a strategic turning point, consecrating the exceptional aromatic quality of cocoa produced mainly in the Sambirano Valley.

New Chapter

Thanks to this distinction, Malagasy cocoa should no longer be considered a simple commodity subject to international standard cocoa price fluctuations. This flagship export product is now regarded as an origin product with strong added value, comparable to grand crus in other agricultural sectors. This international recognition opens a new chapter for the sector, whose stakeholders agree that, facing mass cocoa producers like Côte d'Ivoire or Ghana, Madagascar cannot build its strategy on volume. Malagasy cocoa's competitive advantage lies in rarity, quality, and identity. The goal is to recognize this specificity throughout the value chain so prices reflect the product's excellence, not merely standard bean market trends.

Fair Remuneration

Among promotional actions undertaken is Madagascar's participation in major international cocoa negotiations. A recent meeting in Brussels allowed the Malagasy delegation to defend the country's position: cocoa sector sustainability cannot be reduced to technical obligations imposed on producers. It must be accompanied by fair remuneration for women and men who daily preserve Malagasy cocoa's exceptional quality. Grégory Rabeson, executive director of the National Cocoa Council, explained that "sustainable cocoa is an illusion if we don't guarantee fair remuneration to producers preserving this exceptional quality daily." The sector also requires significant structuring work enabling access to the most demanding markets, particularly within the European Union.

Perfect Control

Developing Madagascar's premium cocoa sector requires perfect traceability mastery through plantation geolocation, rigorous quality control by specialized laboratories, and permanent adaptation to new social and environmental standards. The CNC multiplies initiatives making cocoa a testament to excellent sector management with international impact. "We ensure international recognition of Malagasy cocoa translates concretely into higher farmer remuneration and strengthened resilience of our entire rural economy," adds the CNC executive director.