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Calling Chocolate Lovers: Explore the World of Cocoa at UWI's Free Expo

For Release Upon Receipt - November 27, 2024

St. Augustine


A glimpse into the past: A variety of cocoa products showcased at UWI's 2019 World Cocoa and Chocolate Day Expo.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. November 27, 2024 – The Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) invites chocolate lovers, cocoa farmers, and entrepreneurs to the World Cocoa and Chocolate Day Expo 2024, a celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cocoa heritage and its exciting potential. The event which is open to the public and free of charge takes place at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation on Friday, 29 November, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 30 November, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This year’s Expo will spotlight cocoa’s important role in Trinidad and Tobago’s economic diversification, featuring a wide array of exhibits, performances, and activities designed to captivate and educate visitors. Attendees will discover innovative cocoa-based products, including gourmet chocolates, artisanal crafts, jewellery, cosmetics, and wines. The event will also feature traditional cocoa dance performances by rural community groups and the highly anticipated “Innovations in Chocolate Cuisine Challenge,” where budding chefs will craft unique cocoa-infused dishes. Family-friendly games, interactive tasting sessions, and opportunities to engage with local artisans and entrepreneurs further enhance the experience.

The Expo highlights the significant strides made in the cocoa industry, as the CRC has trained over 250 chocolatiers, supporting the establishment of approximately 60 cocoa value-add start-ups. These successes demonstrate the sector’s potential to contribute to economic growth, rural development, and international trade.

Beyond entertainment, the expo offers an invaluable educational platform, providing workshops, live demonstrations, and exhibits that deepen understanding of the cocoa industry. Visitors will gain insight into the dedication of small-scale farmers and the craftsmanship behind every cocoa product, fostering appreciation for this thriving sector. Products showcased at the event will be available for purchase, offering attendees the chance to take home a piece of cocoa’s allure.

Whether you are part of The UWI community, a cocoa farmer, an entrepreneur, or a chocolate enthusiast, this event is an ideal opportunity to connect with stakeholders, explore the possibilities of cocoa, and savour its many delights. For more information, contact the Cocoa Research Centre at sta-crc@uwi.edu or visit https://sta.uwi.edu/cru/.

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A moment to remember: Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, receives a gift from Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan, Head of the Cocoa Research Centre at UWI's 2019 World Cocoa and Chocolate Day Expo.

About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier, higher education institution. One of only two regional universities in the world, it comprises five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE).

Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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