From May through June 2017, we conducted two surveys of academics and industry members. The survey of academics studying cacao and chocolate aimed to identify major areas of interest and potential for scholarly collaboration. It was conducted simultaneously with a survey of specialty cacao and fine chocolate professionals to gather ideas and facilitate research partnerships in the industry.

 

These two surveys were organized jointly by a team of researchers: Carla D. Martin, Executive Director of the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute (FCCI) and Lecturer at Harvard University; Associate Professor Ryan Galt, The MacArthur Foundation Endowed Chair in Global Conservation and Sustainability, at the University of California, Davis; and Madeline Weeks and Nick Robinson, PhD students at the University of California, Davis.

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This survey is a first step in our work, done in consultation with the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA). Initial survey results were shared at the 2017 Unconference and Northwest Chocolate Festival in Seattle, Washington, and will soon be shared through a report to be made available online.