Cordillera Chocolate, the Colombian B2B chocolate brand owned by Grupo Nutresa, has received the 2025 Sustainability Award at the World Confectionery Conference in Brussels. The award recognizes the company’s work in promoting a more inclusive and resilient cocoa sector.

The honor highlights Cordillera’s Atenea—Women Who Transcend program, which supports women across the cocoa value chain with training in entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy. Judges noted the program’s focus on helping women farmers establish independent operations in a traditionally man-dominated industry.

Launched in 2023, the initiative’s first cohort included 101 women who founded 11 small businesses within a year, ranging from artisanal bakeries to premium hot chocolate ventures. A second phase is underway, expanding the program’s reach to additional female farmers across Colombia.

“This award reinforces our conviction that true sustainability begins at the source,” says Natalie Quintero Zuluaga, global B2B marketing director at Cordillera Chocolate. “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 approach integrates entrepreneurship, financial literacy, women’s leadership, and sustainable agronomy training in partnership with Colombia’s national training institute SENA and the Government of Córdoba. The program 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 program supporting women cocoa farmers,” says Neill Barston, editor of Confectionery Production, who presented the award on behalf of the conference organizers.

Cordillera is also working to raise the international profile of Latin American chocolate, as demand grows for high-quality, responsibly sourced cocoa products from Colombia and the region.

The World Confectionery Conference, now in its fifth year, convenes industry leaders from the confectionery, snack, and supply chain sectors for a one-day forum focused on innovation and sustainability strategies.

Related: Women cocoa farmers finish sustainability program