Unlocking Heirloom Cacao: How HCP and FCIA Connect Farmers and Makers

Description

Where Fine Cacao Meets Exceptional Chocolate

Whether you are a dedicated cacao grower striving to elevate your craft and gain global recognition, or a craft chocolate maker searching for rare, extraordinary fine-flavor beans, the bridge between farm and chocolate workshop is where true magic happens.   

Join the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) and the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) for an exclusive, highly interactive joint webinar. Discover how our two organizations collaborate to protect fine-flavor cacao, empower farming communities, and open direct sourcing channels for makers worldwide.   

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
• Location: Online via Zoom (Access link provided upon registration)
• Pricing: FCIA Members: Free | Non-Members: $75

Why You Should Attend

Building a transparent, sustainable, and thriving fine chocolate ecosystem requires strong connections across the value chain. This webinar is designed to bring cacao producers and chocolate makers into the same virtual room to unlock mutual opportunities.   

For Cacao Growers & Producers:

• Gain Global Recognition: Learn how HCP identifies, preserves, and spotlights rare, fine-flavor cacao varieties on the world stage.   
• Navigating the Heirloom Process: Walk through the step-by-step application, sample submission, and official designation process.   
• Post-Designation Support: Discover the educational resources, technical guidance, and post-harvest support available to designated farmers.   

For Craft Chocolate Makers & Chocolatiers:

• Source Rare Beans: Learn how to reliably connect with and source certified Heirloom cacao beans directly from verified growers.   
• Understand the Science & Value: Discover what makes Heirloom-designated cacao uniquely valuable to your brand and finished chocolate products.   
• Direct Supply Chain Impact: Foster direct relationships with farmers dedicated to quality, flavor preservation, and ethical stewardship.   

What We Will Cover

1. The Shared Mission: The foundational partnership between HCP and FCIA in protecting fine cacao.   
2. The Heirloom Designation Process: Practical, tailored guidance for growers looking to submit cacao for evaluation.   
3. Connecting Supply & Demand: How FCIA makers can access and support Heirloom bean producers.   
4. Interactive Live Q&A: Ask your questions directly to leadership from both HCP and FCIA.   
5. Special Session Feature: Stay tuned until the end for an exciting live announcement for attendees!   

Featured Speaker

Presenter: Alyssa D'Adamo, Executive Director, Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund

Reserve Your Spot Today

Don't miss this unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge, expand your industry network, and help shape the future of fine cacao.