Merit Awards recognise exceptional service or contributions to the Fine Chocolate World and are chosen by the regional or national partner of each competition in conjunction with the Awards organisers.

The 2014 Americas Merit Awards were nominated by the Americas International Chocolate Awards Partner, Maricel Presilla. Read more about our Grand Jury here.

Fine Chocolate Consultancy

Ed Seguine

Leadership role in international cacao evaluation and manufacturing processes.

Fine Chocolate Retailing

Lauren Adler, Chocolopolis

Creative support of US craft chocolate makers.

Product Innovation

Diego Badaro, Amma Chocolate

Creative use of cacao relative Theobroma grandiflorum.

Fine Cacao and Chocolate Pioneers

Jorge Redmond Schlageter, Chocolates El Rey

Country branding, single-origin cacao sourcing and fine chocolate manufacturing in Venezuela.

Mott Green Memorial Award for Sustainable Cacao Cooperatives

Mishky Cacao

Adding value to regional cacao through artisanal chocolate manufacturing.

Cacao Research Award

Dr. Enrique Arévalo Gardini

Outstanding contribution to cacao agriculture and cacao genetic improvement at the ICT.