News Releases

60+ Startups and SMEs Showcase their Cocoa-Based Products at UWI’s World Cocoa Day Expo

For Release Upon Receipt - November 14, 2023

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago – 14 November 2023 –The Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) celebrated another successful World Cocoa & Chocolate Day Expo, exceeding expectations in scale, participation, and highlighting a new benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration. The event, which was held the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation in Mt Hope from Friday October 27-Saturday October 28, provided a significant platform for chocolatiers, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and opening doors for expanded local sales and international exports.

 This year’s event themed ‘Experience the Triple Helix,’ emphasized the dynamic interplay between the public sector, private enterprises, and academic institutions in advancing the growth of the industry. The spirit of collaboration was on full display, drawing numerous stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Cocoa Development Company, to engage in the cocoa industry’s various facets. In fact, over 60 startups and SMEs showcased their cocoa-based products, underscoring the sector's extensive opportunities and featuring pioneering advancements in cocoa technology through interactive sessions and workshops.

 In an ambitious step towards a greener future, the CRC in collaboration with George Washington University, announced the launch of the Good Will Chocolate Learning Community, aimed at nurturing sustainable practices among cocoa entrepreneurs. The expo also highlighted the CRC’s advancements towards 'zero carbon' chocolate production technologies. Furthermore, the event fostered numerous partnerships and collaborations, laying the groundwork for future business-to-business and institution-to-business relationships. Positive feedback from chocolatiers and attendees, many of whom sold out their products well before the expo concluded, underscored the event's success and its role in revitalizing industry interest post-pandemic.

 The CRC remains optimistic that the outcomes from this year’s expo will catalyze further investment and innovation within the cocoa and chocolate industries. While new trends and consumption patterns were not the central focus of this event, they continue to be an integral part of CRC’s ongoing research initiatives. Moreover, the expo’s competitive segment showcased the best in chocolate cuisine, desserts, and beverages, celebrating culinary innovation with awards presented to outstanding participants.

 The CRC’s exclusive 50g chocolate bars, priced at TT$60.00, were a highlight, representing the rich quality and potential of the region’s cocoa products. With plans already underway for the next World Cocoa & Chocolate Day, the CRC is set to expand the event’s reach and engagement even further. With support from sponsors, National Flour Mills and ExporTT and the enthusiastic response from attendees and potential investors, this heralds a robust and dynamic future for the cocoa and chocolate industry.

 For more information about the Cocoa Research Centre, please visit https://sta.uwi.edu/cru/.

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About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

 

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