Virtual B2B Meetings: Cacao & Chocolate from Central America

Are you interested in discovering new sourcing regions? The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) connects you with reliable, high-quality suppliers equipped to do business with a European partner. Within its Connecting Central America initiative, CBI helps SMEs and cooperatives become more competitive in the European market. The initiative is co-financed by the European Union and coordinated by SIECA.

Many trade fairs and physical B2B events have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Because of this, CBI now helps you virtually meet carefully selected cacao and chocolate producers and exporters from Central America.

Meet quality suppliers from Central America

Due to the unique origins with very varied aromas and flavours, a history behind the product, and organic and fair trade certification, Central America is a source of high-quality products. These countries offer numerous products that appeal to the European market. In 2012, the Association Agreement was signed between the EU and the Central American region. Among other things, this agreement has eliminated most import tariffs and has improved conditions for trade.

The Connecting Central America initiative presents 4 cooperatives (from El Salvador, Guatemala and 2 from Nicaragua) and 4 private companies (from Costa Rica, El Salvador and 2 from Guatemala). These cooperatives and private companies are focused on sustainability and social commitment. All participants offer products such as fine and aroma cocoa. Some have organic certification/BIOSUISSE, fair trade/FLOcert /Small Producer Symbol and UTZ/Rainforest Alliance. Some companies also process and offer cacao derivatives such as nibs, liquor and couverture, including up to premium chocolate bars with possibilities to produce private label products.

Opportunities for EU buyers

By registering for the online B2B meetings with cacao and chocolate producers and exporters from Central America you can:

• Arrange online meetings with carefully selected producers and exporters. Producers and exporters are selected based your requirements.  Online meetings can take place from the comfort of your (home) office at a time of your choosing;
• Find detailed information about the companies through their online profiles;
• Meet with quality producers and exporters that have prepared with CBI for the online B2B meetings;
• Find everything on 1 platform: information on the companies, directly connect  the companies through messaging, schedule video calls, and receive support from the CBI team in finding the right matches for you.

Register for online B2B Meetings

Registration for the online B2B Meetings through the B2Match platform opened on the 24 August 2020.

Register now

If you want to find out more about the companies that you can meet virtually, have a look at our online brochure (PDF).

More information on the Connecting Central America project

For more information, visit our project page on the CBI website. You can also follow us on Facebook or contact us at devco-ca@cbi.eu.