Press Release
World Cocoa and Chocolate Day
For Immediate Release
The Cocoa Research Centre (CRU), of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, custodians of the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad is presently celebrating its 50th Anniversary as a research and development institution supporting cocoa nationally, regionally and internationally . CRU wishes to celebrate this remarkable milestone in a memorable and tangible way by supporting the revival of the cocoa industry in Trinidad and Tobago through a series of inspiring events to highlight the wealth we possess and our achievements in terms of cocoa research, outreach and value addition.
The Spirit of Chocolate Festival held at the Hilton on 21st July and the launch of the Partnership in Conservation on 27th July 2012 comprised initial phases of this multi-faceted effort. The third event has a two-fold function; to keep the anniversary commemoration momentum going, as well as to celebrate World Cocoa and Chocolate Day 2012.
The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO), the global representative body of cocoa producers has instituted October 1st of each year as Cocoa Day, recognising the efforts of the millions of small holder farmers who supply over 3 million tonnes of cocoa each year to be made into one of the most revered food items worldwide, chocolate. In addition, the Académie Française du Chocolat et de la Confiserie (French Chocolate and Confectionery Academy), in recognition of the living conditions of cocoa growers the world over and ensure that consumers become aware of the need for a long-term self-sustained cocoa economy, has mandated that October 1st be designated the World Cocoa and Chocolate Day.
CRU’s planned World Cocoa and Chocolate Day celebration is scheduled for mid-October, 2012 at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus. It will consist of displays by CRU, local and foreign stakeholders and producers in the cocoa industry, associated bodies and the corporate sponsors. This exhibition will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm. Other features of the event will be the launch of the Cocoa Research Centre (CRC), (to herald a new era of cocoa research at The UWI), the launch of a CRC logo competition, "Innovations in Chocolate Cuisine: A Food and Beverage Challenge" and the launch of the ICG,T signature chocolate bar amongst other activities. An array of informative and entertaining activities is planned. CRU invites members of the public to come and celebrate this momentous occasion with us.
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