Known as the spice island of the Caribbean, Grenada will be hosting its 10th annual, week-long Chocolate Festival in May to celebrate the rich history and culture of chocolate production in the small island.

Magdalena Fielden, founder of the Grenada Chocolate Festival said that the Grenada Chocolate Festival “is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the local farmers and chocolatiers who have made the country a world-renowned destination for chocolate lovers.”

The festival, which started in 2014, will this year, take place from May 16 to 21.

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, a pioneer of the tree-to-bar chocolate movement.

This year, the festival 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, a master class with Renegade and Tri Island, and mixologist competitions.

Visitors will also be able to explore 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.

Petra Roach, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Grenada Tourism Authority said, “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.”

Roach added that Grenada’s volcanic soil, warm weather, and thick rainforests make the island an ideal climate to grow fine cocoa, of which only 12 per cent of the world’s exported beans have this designation.

She continued: “Here in the Spice Isle, 100 per cent of our cocoa exports are classified as fine-flavoured cocoa. Today, Grenada produces about 800 tons of cocoa per year, contributing to 6 per cent of GDP.”

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