Inside Amsterdam Cocoa Week: From Cocoa Finance to Chocolate

Amsterdam becomes a global meeting place for the cocoa and chocolate industry when Amsterdam Cocoa Week returns February 22–28, 2027. The week brings producers, chocolate makers, traders, manufacturers, sustainability specialists, financial experts and other industry professionals together for conferences, trade events, networking, tastings and discussions about the future of cocoa.

The 2027 theme, “Financing the Future of Cocoa,” places particular emphasis on the financial structures needed to create a more resilient and sustainable cocoa sector. Amsterdam Cocoa Week combines complementary programmes across the industry before concluding with the consumer-focused Amsterdam Chocolate Festival.

Financing the Future of Cocoa

The 2027 programme places cocoa finance at the centre of the conversation. Industry organisations and professionals will examine how investment, collaboration and new financial approaches can support farmers while strengthening the wider cocoa supply chain.

The week brings together business, sustainability, innovation and finance, creating a forum for examining both immediate industry challenges and longer-term opportunities.

A Full Week of Cocoa Industry Events

Amsterdam Cocoa Week is much more than a traditional trade fair. The 2027 programme brings several professional events and initiatives together, including the Chocoa Trade Fair, Chocoa Conference, Chocolate Makers’ Forum, Farmers’ Day, European Markets Academy, Financial Course for Cacao Entrepreneurs, Trade & Transport in Transition, Grand Dîner du Chocolat and culinary masterclasses.

The programme also includes the Seguine Cacao Bean Auction, creating opportunities for participants to explore cacao quality, sourcing and trade alongside broader business discussions.

From Cocoa Farmers to Chocolate Makers

Amsterdam Cocoa Week is structured to bring different parts of the value chain into the same conversation. Farmers, cocoa traders, chocolate makers, manufacturers, sustainability organisations, financial specialists and other stakeholders can participate in dedicated programmes while also connecting across sectors.

That approach gives the event a broader purpose than simply showcasing products. It creates opportunities to discuss how decisions involving finance, sourcing, transportation, production and markets affect the people and businesses throughout the cocoa chain.

Chocoa Returns for its 15th Edition

The 2027 gathering will include the 15th edition of Chocoa, its established international programme for the cocoa and chocolate sector. Chocoa combines business meetings with education, networking and professional development, connecting participants from cocoa-producing countries with companies and organisations operating throughout the international chocolate industry.

Amsterdam Chocolate Festival Closes the Week

Amsterdam Cocoa Week concludes with the Amsterdam Chocolate Festival on February 27 and 28, 2027, when the Beurs van Berlage opens to chocolate enthusiasts and families.

Organisers expect approximately 8,000 consumers to explore close to 100 stands, with more than 40 tastings and masterclasses, guided chocolate experiences, live demonstrations and the Hot Chocolate Awards. Visitors can also learn about the journey from cacao bean to chocolate bar while meeting chocolate makers and discovering products from around the world.

Chocolate Experiences for Families

Unlike the professional programme earlier in the week, the weekend festival is designed for the general public. Activities include tastings, masterclasses, entertainment and a dedicated children’s programme.

Young visitors can work with chocolate professionals to make their own chocolate lollipops and bars, while adults can participate in tastings and vote in the Hot Chocolate Awards.

One Week, Two Audiences

Amsterdam Cocoa Week brings two sides of the chocolate world together. Its professional programme examines the business, financial and sustainability challenges facing cocoa, while the closing Chocolate Festival introduces consumers to makers, flavours and the stories behind chocolate.