Cacao Fair will generate $15 million

The National Cacao and Chocolate Fair, known as Chokao, aims to generate business worth around $15 million. Organized by the National Association of Cacao Exporters of Ecuador (Anecacao), it will take place from September 10th to 12th, 2024, in the province of Guayas. The participation of more than 5,000 people, both local and international, interested in exchanging knowledge, experiences, and business opportunities in the cocoa sector is expected.

The event will feature over 90 stands and various seminars discussing relevant topics for the sector, such as cocoa prices and the Green Pact. Additionally, a gastronomic congress will be held featuring dishes made with cocoa. This fair is presented as a conducive space to strengthen the cocoa and chocolate industry in Ecuador and promote its projection internationally.

On the other hand, several companies dedicated to the production of cocoa-derived products are working on signing international agreements to develop new business models. Nestlé Ecuador, for example, has signed two agreements with the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA International), with financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The main objective of these agreements is to promote Creating Shared Value, a business model that seeks to generate positive impacts on society, the environment, and the economy. One of the agreements, called the "Income Accelerator," is part of Nestlé Ecuador's Cocoa Plan and aims to improve cocoa farmers' income through entrepreneurship and technical assistance. The second agreement, called RADAR, aims to connect new actors to promote plastic neutrality and strengthen the circular economy in the country.