Grenada, generally known as the spice island of the Caribbean, is internet hosting its 10th annual, week-long Grenada Chocolate Competition.
The competition, which began in 2014, will happen from Could 16 to 21, 2023, and celebrates the wealthy historical past and tradition of chocolate manufacturing in Grenada.
The island is dwelling to 6 chocolate firms: Tri-Island Chocolate, Belmont Property, Crayfish Bay Natural Chocolate, Jouvay Chocolate, Style ‘D’ Spice Chocolate, and the world-famous Grenada Chocolate Firm, a pioneer of the tree-to-bar chocolate motion.
This yr, the competition is returning with a particular Rum Version the place attendees will study concerning the historical past of rum and chocolate manufacturing whereas having fun with a mixture of rum tastings and excursions at native distilleries, a masterclass with Renegade and Tri Island, and mixologist competitions at Mount Cinnamon.
Guests will even discover the cocoa fields of sustainable chocolate factories, behind-the-scene journeys of the ethically produced tree-to-bar chocolate-making processes, chocolate arts and crafts, and even chocolate yoga meditation.
“The Grenada Chocolate Competition has change into a spotlight for chocolate lovers and budding chocolatiers from around the globe. With quite a lot of enjoyable and scrumptious experiences, from exploring the cocoa farms to tasting premium high-quality chocolate to chocolate-based wellness experiences, the competition welcomes guests to discover our stunning island and rejoice this vital component of Grenadian tradition with locals,” ”says Petra Roach, CEO of Grenada Tourism Authority.
Roach added that Grenada’s volcanic soil, heat climate, and thick rainforests make the island a perfect local weather to develop tremendous cocoa, of which solely 12 p.c of the world’s exported beans have this designation.
Roach continued: “Right here within the Spice Isle, 100% of our cocoa exports are categorized as fine-flavored cocoa. Right this moment, Grenada produces about 800 tons of cocoa per yr, contributing to six% of GDP.”
Magdalena Fielden, Founding father of the Grenada Chocolate Competition stated that the Grenada Chocolate Competition is a testomony to the laborious work and dedication of the native farmers and chocolatiers who’ve made Grenada a world-renowned vacation spot for chocolate lovers.”
Beneath is the schedule of occasions for this yr’s Grenada Chocolate + Rum Competition:
- Day 1, Tuesday, Could 16: Welcome to Grenada Chocolate Fest – The competition kicks off with rum tastings and experiences at Tri Island and a go to to the Home of Chocolate within the morning earlier than enjoyable the afternoon away. The opening celebration of the competition takes place at Westerhall Property the place one can get pleasure from a night stuffed with music, chocolate, rum and native meals distributors.
- Day 2, Wednesday, Could 17: Celebration of Cocoa at Belmont Property – Uncover historic Grenadian cocoa traditions with one of many oldest operating estates, Belmont Property. Participate in a farmer’s lunch on the property through the afternoon hours. Within the night, end up at a Cocktail Grasp Class at True Blue Rum Store earlier than heading to the “Chocolate Rum Avenue Meals Extravaganza” at Dodgy Dock to get pleasure from dinner, dwell music and cocktails beneath the celebrities.
- Day 3, Thursday, Could 18: Grenada Chocolate + Rum Tradition – Plunge into the picturesque Annandale Waterfalls within the afternoon and go away with your individual spiced rum bottle creation from Wild Orchid. Then head to Silversands within the night to decide on between two periods of rum and chocolate masterclass, or head to True Blue Bay Resort for a sundown chocolate evening dive with Aquanauts Grenada and after-dinner pint of chocolate beer on the West Indies Brewery.
- Day 4, Friday, Could 19: Flavoring Chocolate and Rum – Get pleasure from a tree-to-bar sustainable chocolate flavoring expertise at Crayfish Bay adopted by a farm-to-table lunch and swim at Mount Edgecombe. Within the night, see prime mixologists compete in a rum and chocolate cocktail competitors at Mount Cinnamon. Cap off the evening with a seaside bonfire by Savvy’s.
- Day 5, Saturday, Could 20: Chocolate Household Day + Distillery Excursions – Households will study one thing new throughout enjoyable chocolate actions, cocoa theme youngsters e-book readings, and cocoa theme crafts bazaar all through the day. Distillery excursions at each Renegade Rum and Rivers Rum will even be out there. Calm down throughout a yoga sound therapeutic with chocolate at Sankalpa Yoga Studio earlier than rounding up the day with a chocolate culinary dinner at Dodgy Dock.
- Day 6, Sunday, Could 21: Chocolate, Wellness, and the Arts – Be taught concerning the wellness advantages of chocolate for the pores and skin and physique as you take part in a morning yoga session and create cocoa butter and chocolate potions at True Blue Bay Resort. Observe by an expertise of flavors and aromas on the Tower. As we wrap up the week of chocolate, company can attend the closing celebration hosted by Le Phare Bleu for ultimate toasts, tastings and fabulous dwell music.