American Cocoa Research Institute

Founded in 1947 (incorporated 1948), The American Cocoa Research Institute (ACRI) is the research arm of the Chocolate Manufacturers Association of America (CMA) devoted to exploring scientific areas related to cocoa and chocolate.

To support scientific leadership in all areas related to cocoa, from cacao bean to finished product, and by appropriate integration of effort with other domestic and international groups;

• To ensure the quality of cocoa products by identifying and pursuing opportunities that address issues associated with each stage between the harvesting and processing of cacao pods;
• To identify and address regulatory opportunities and issues, including standards of identity and labeling, impacting cocoa and chocolate products;
• To monitor, generate and support scientific research of cocoa products and ingredients in order to better understand their impact on health & nutrition and support the responsible consumption of cocoa and chocolate products; and
• To continuously review the scientific and regulatory landscape of the industry and contribute to relevant, scientific-based communications outreach related to cocoa and chocolate.