Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez instructed Minister of Foreign Trade Koroómoto Godoy to immediately step up efforts to find and strengthen positions in international markets for the export of Venezuelan cocoa and chocolate. The directive was given during the head of state’s visit to the facilities of the chocolate company Cakawa. Rodríguez emphasized that the cocoa sector needs to be given strategic importance similar to the coffee industry, which already occupies a prominent place on the economic agenda. She noted that there is a solid foundation for this: cocoa is grown in 17 states of the country, and 1,091 local producer communities have their own organized structures with representatives.
The goal is to scale up cocoa exports to a mass level, using Venezuela’s reputation as a producer of the “best in the world” cocoa. Entrepreneurs at the plant demonstrated the production process and spoke about the scientifically proven benefits of the local product: daily consumption of dark chocolate contributes to the regeneration of stem cells and the activation of endorphins. A particular advantage of Venezuelan cocoa is its high (48–50%) cocoa butter content, where the highest concentration of vitamins and proteins is found. The business model of companies like Cakawa is built on promoting local production and the unique story of each farmer. Thus, the government seeks to turn centuries-old cocoa-growing traditions into a pillar of a diversified economy, combining local organization with modern industrial processing.
