The award celebrates Cordillera’s flagship programme, Atenea – Women Who Transcend, which equips women across the cocoa value chain with the skills, resources, and confidence to thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders.
The judges had been particularly impressed by the company’s specific drive to assist women farmers in establishing their own operations in what has traditionally been a male-dominated agricultural landscape.
Launched in 2023, the initiative’s first cohort saw 101 women establish 11 small businesses within a year, ranging from artisanal bakeries to premium hot chocolate ventures. A second phase is now underway, expanding the programme’s reach to female farmers across Colombia.
“This award reinforces our conviction that true sustainability begins at the source,” said Natalie Quintero Zuluaga, Global B2B Marketing Director at Cordillera Chocolate, who accepted the award in Brussels. “By working hand in hand with farming communities, strengthening responsible supply chains, and showcasing the richness of Latin American cocoa culture, we can deliver real value to customers and long-term prosperity to farmers.”
Cordillera’s holistic approach — integrating entrepreneurship, financial literacy, women’s leadership, and sustainable agronomy training (MACC) in partnership with Colombia’s national training institute SENA and the Government of Córdoba — has positioned the brand as a model for purpose-driven growth in the global chocolate market.
“With sustainability remaining at the heart of this year’s event, Cordillera stood out for its national programme supporting women cocoa farmers,” said Neill Barston, Editor of Confectionery Production, presenting the award on behalf of the conference organisers.
Beyond its sustainability work, Cordillera is also raising the profile of Latin American chocolate internationally, as demand grows for high-quality, responsibly sourced cocoa products from Colombia and the wider region.
The World Confectionery Conference, now in its fifth year, brought together industry leaders from across the confectionery, snack, and supply chain sectors for a one-day deep dive into the innovations and sustainability strategies shaping the industry's future.