Beyond the Chocolate Bar: Local Makers Show What T&T’s Cocoa Can Do

Cocoa snow cones, chocolate treats, condiments and even skincare. Local makers are showing just how many possibilities can grow from one crop at the World Cocoa and Chocolate Day Expo.

The two-day showcase brings together farmers, chocolatiers and entrepreneurs, connecting the people who cultivate cocoa with those turning it into products. Friday’s opening featured pastries, cocoa-infused condiments and other creations that put local ingenuity on display.

It’s a story that reaches beyond chocolate. Each finished product offers another way for Trinidad and Tobago’s cocoa to reach customers, supporting businesses and creating new interest in the crop.

Hosted by the Cocoa Research Centre at The UWI St. Augustine, the annual Expo has marked the occasion locally for more than 13 years. This year also highlights the sector’s role in economic diversification.

The final day takes place today, Saturday, 10th October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation in Mt Hope.

For chocolate lovers, it’s a chance to explore what local makers are creating and discover a few unexpected uses for cocoa along the way.