News Releases

UWI Cocoa Research Centre's Chocolates Make Enthusiastic Entry into the Barbadian Market

For Release Upon Receipt - December 4, 2023

St. Augustine


 

 

 Photo 1: Testing a Sweet Venture:  Pro Vice-Chancellor & St. Augustine Campus Principal, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine (second from left), proudly shares samples of the Cocoa Research Centre’s chocolates with [L-R] Professor Clive Landis the Cave Hill Campus Principal, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, The UWI Bookshop Manager, Beverly Smith-Hinkson, while Mr. James “Jimmy” Clarke, President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and Justin Seale, UWI-Souzhou Assistant Registrar at the China Institute of Information Technology [extreme right], look on.

St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, – December 4, 2023 – A sweet venture unfolded at The University of the West Indies' (The UWI) Cave Hill Campus on October 20th as The UWI’s world-renowned Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) introduced its signature chocolates to the Barbados market. This 'soft launch', which coincided with the graduation ceremonies, marked the CRC's first foray into the Barbadian market. The launch, led by Pro Vice-Chancellor and St. Augustine Campus Principal, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, which was also attended by Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, and the Cave Hill Campus Principal Professor Clive Landis, sets a new benchmark for CRC’s expansion into the region towards growing the appeal for quality, regional chocolate products.

 In a significant meeting at the Cave Hill Bookshop, Professor Antoine led discussions with the President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Mr. James “Jimmy” Clarke, and The UWI Bookshop Manager, Beverly Smith-Hinkson which revolved around the potential of CRC’s chocolates in Barbados. The much-coveted ‘Trinitario’ cocoa, that originated in Trinidad is a hybrid between two cocoa types. The chocolate that originated from cocoa from the largest gene bank was developed as a result of the hard work and scientific prowess from the CRC involving scientific innovations, to cultivate this exceptional cocoa breed.

During the two-day expo in Trinidad from 27th -28th October, local artisans and chocolatiers unveiled an array of beverages, gourmet creations crafted from locally sourced cocoa, and an exquisite display of cocoa-inspired art and craft.

 This year's expo theme, ‘Experience the Triple Helix,’ highlighted the synergy between the public sector, private enterprises, and academia in fostering industry advancement. The entry of the CRC chocolates into the Barbadian market formed part of the thrust to showcase the CRC’s commitment to the broader region. Interestingly, the chocolate-tasting session in Barbados drew in enthusiastic students was a highlight and drew in enthusiastic students and BCCI members alike. Additionally, the CRC also introduced its exclusive 50g chocolate bars, priced at BD$17.86 (TT$60.00), which are now available for purchase at The UWI bookstore at the Cave Hill campus, along with other select locations, offering accessible options to purchase and taste the region's chocolate craftsmanship by a wider audience.

 The soft launch of the Cocoa Research Centre’s (CRC) chocolates, exceeded expectations in scale and participation highlighting a new benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration. The response was overwhelmingly positive, prompting The UWI Cave Hill Bookshop to begin selling CRC's chocolates and to request additional supplies to meet the already growing demand. Furthermore, the BCCI's expression of interest in a collaboration signals a promising horizon for CRC’s chocolates in Barbados.

 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 Global 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.

 

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