JACRA urges Jamaicans to back local chocolatiers and lift cocoa industry

The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) is calling on consumers across the island to buy from homegrown chocolate makers, arguing that the move will strengthen both the cocoa industry and the wider economy.

Chevonne Aschute, Acting Senior Director for Cocoa and Coconut at JACRA, said output from Jamaican producers has been climbing in recent months and now needs matching demand at the till.

“Since we grow what we eat and we eat what we grow, we need to support our local chocolatiers. This will help us to grow as a nation. Jamaica is known to produce the best of everything and with that in mind, we need to support local,” Aschute said.

He explained that the benefits would not stop at the retail counter. “Once we support our local [chocolate producers]… our farmers will be able to get more per box or per kg for their cocoa, so there will be a reciprocating effect where basically everyone would be able to live much better,” he added.

Aschute made the comments during a recent JIS Think Tank session staged at the agency’s Television Department at 5–9 South Odeon Avenue in Kingston.

Jamaica is one of a small group of nations to hold a 100 per cent “fine flavour status” rating from the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), an endorsement that points to the superior quality and distinctive taste of the island’s cocoa. That status allows Jamaican cocoa to command a premium over bulk cocoa traded on world markets.

According to Aschute, JACRA is continuing to partner with farmers to protect crop quality and to ensure that pods leaving the field are ready for market.