This six-day festival, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary, returns with a special Rum Edition, where attendees will learn about the history of rum and chocolate production while enjoying a mix of rum tastings and tours at local distilleries. Founder Magdalena Fielden said: “The Grenada Chocolate Festival is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the local farmers and chocolatiers who have made Grenada a world-renowned destination for chocolate lovers, in addition to the power of community and the importance of sustainable and ethical practices in a small island.”
Grenada is home to six chocolate companies: Tri-Island Chocolate, Belmont Estate, Crayfish Bay Organic Chocolate, Jouvay Chocolate, Taste ‘D’ Spice Chocolate and the world-famous Grenada Chocolate Company, founded by the godfathers of the tree-to-bar chocolate movement, Mott Green and Edmund Brown.
“The Grenada Chocolate Festival has become a highlight for chocolate lovers and budding chocolatiers from around the world. With a variety of fun and delicious experiences, from exploring the cocoa farms to tasting premium high-quality chocolate to chocolate-based wellness experiences, the festival welcomes visitors to explore our beautiful island and celebrate this significant element of Grenadian culture with locals,” says Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA).
“Grenada’s volcanic soil, warm weather and thick rainforests make the island an ideal climate to grow fine cocoa, of which only 12% of the world’s exported beans have this designation. Here in the Spice Isle, 100% of our cocoa exports are classified as fine-flavoured cocoa. Today, Grenada produces about 800 tons of cocoa per year, contributing to 6% of GDP,” Roach explains.
Grenada Chocolate Fest takes place 16 to 21 May. For full details of the festival schedule visit grenadachocolatefest.com.
