This year, the festival will have a decentralized format, with activities scheduled in different parts of the country. This strategy allows more people to participate and experience the richness of Dominican cocoa, reinforcing their connection with this important agricultural product. The festival will culminate in Santo Domingo, on the first level of Agora Mall, where from September 27 to 29 an exhibition of various chocolate brands and cocoa producers will be held. This exhibition will not only present a wide range of products, but will also offer a variety of experiences for cocoa lovers.
Rocio Sanchez, Corporate Marketing Director of Agora Mall, emphasized that the event will give consumers the opportunity to meet cocoa producers and processors, who play a crucial role in positioning Dominican cocoa in the global market. In addition, the festival will include food pairings, cooking shows, and other activities designed to educate and delight attendees, highlighting the cultural and economic value of cocoa.
Dominican cocoa is internationally recognized for its aromatic and flavor qualities, which has led local brands to receive awards in renowned competitions such as the Academy of Chocolate in London and the International Chocolate Awards “Americas”. More than 20 companies in the country are currently dedicated to transforming the cocoa bean into chocolate bars and other derivative products. This reflects a commitment to quality that continues to attract global attention to Dominican cocoa.
The festival has the support of several key institutions for the cocoa industry in the Dominican Republic. In addition to the Dominican Environmental Consortium, the Cacao Laboratory and the Ministry of Agriculture have played key roles in the organization of the event. Also participating are the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM), Agora Mall, and Mediáticos Consultores en Comunicación, along with the International Trade Office (ITC), the National Cocoa Commission, and the Ministry of Tourism.
Despite current challenges, the future of Dominican cocoa looks promising. The festival not only celebrates the excellence of local cocoa, but also reinforces the importance of collaboration between producers, institutions and consumers to ensure that the Dominican Republic maintains its privileged position in the global chocolate market.
With initiatives such as the Dominican Chocolate Festival, the Dominican Republic's chocolate tradition is guaranteed to continue to grow and adapt to modern times, ensuring a bright future for this vital industry.
