The Festival del Chocolate Dominicano (Dominican Chocolate Festival) opened its sixth edition on Friday, September 11, with a program dedicated to cacao and local chocolate production. The event runs through Sunday, September 13, at Agora Mall Santo Domingo.
Organizers said the festival aims to create memorable experiences centered on Dominican cacao and chocolate.
This year's edition continues to recognize the Asociacion Dominicana de Chocolaterias (Adochoco), the country's first chocolate association, along with the brands that make up the sector. The festival is also making a special call to recognize and support the industrialization of cacao in the country, aiming to strengthen and increase income across the value chain by exporting and producing finished products derived from Dominican cacao, which is already recognized internationally for its quality.
More Than 18 Brands Take Part
The sixth edition features more than 18 chocolate brands presenting their products and sharing with visitors part of the process behind their creation. The offerings include different types of chocolate and other cacao-derived products, reflecting the variety currently being developed across the sector.
Program of Activities
The program at Agora Mall Santo Domingo includes tastings, cooking shows and activities aimed at children, along with spaces where visitors can learn more about cacao, chocolate and the different stages involved in making these products.
During the festival's launch event, representatives from the European Union, the Indian embassy, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and other representatives from local organizations took part.
Beyond the product displays, the festival aims to create a space for participating brands to connect with the public, giving visitors the chance to meet chocolate makers directly and learn about the products being developed from Dominican cacao.
Background
The Dominican Republic is one of the world's leading producers of cacao, and Dominican cacao is widely recognized internationally for its quality. Agora Mall is a shopping center in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.
