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Glossary
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Glossary

The ACM Marketplace uses specific terms to help buyers evaluate and compare cocoa sellers. This glossary explains what each certification tier and value proposition tag means.

ACM Certification Tiers

Uncertified

  • Sellers at this stage have initiated onboarding but do not yet meet baseline ACM standards.
  • May lack essential documentation, traceability, or compliance.
  • Suitable for buyers willing to invest in capacity building or who have flexible sourcing criteria (aka conventional bulk cocoa)

Bronze

  • Meets basic ACM standards, demonstrating legitimacy, compliance with minimum legal standards, and preliminary ESG practices.
  • Limited operational or quality systems in place; modest traceability.
  • Suitable for buyers seeking entry-level certified cocoa with potential for partnership-based improvement.

Silver

  • Sellers demonstrate a solid operational structure, reliable ESG systems, clear understanding of compliance, and consistent cocoa quality.
  • Proven traceability to farmer or farmer-group level, strong flavor consistency, moderate sustainability practices.
  • Suitable for buyers prioritizing robust traceability, consistent quality, and sustainability practices exceeding baseline compliance.

Gold

  • Represents sellers with exceptional operational maturity, high ESG standards, fully established legal compliance frameworks, advanced sustainability practices, and excellent cocoa quality and flavor profile.
  • Fully transparent, traceable operations down to individual farm level with precise data and supporting documentation.
  • Suitable for premium, discerning buyers needing comprehensive due diligence assurance, exceptional cocoa, and highest sustainability standards.

Value Proposition Tags

Women-led: The business is majority owned or managed by women.

Organic: The cocoa is produced under certified organic conditions.

EUDR-ready: Complies with European Union import documentation requirements.

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