The Venezuelan Embassy’s “Chocolatada” highlights the cultural roots, global significance, and culinary richness of Venezuelan cocoa, uniting industry leaders and ambassadors in Singapore.
On 22 October 2024, the Venezuelan Embassy in Singapore, in partnership with prominent chocolatier and founder of The Chocolate Chamber, Mrs. Raquel Torquero Choa, hosted “Chocolatada.” This unique event celebrated Venezuelan cocoa’s diverse textures, flavours, and aromas, showcasing its importance as a symbol of national identity and economic productivity. Venezuelan Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Jessica María López, underscored the role of cocoa in Venezuela’s cultural heritage, tracing its journey from the hands of the farmers to the global market.
In an atmosphere rich with sensory experiences, industry leaders from Singapore’s food, beverage, and hospitality sectors, along with international guests, gathered to learn about the history of cocoa and its longstanding ties to Southeast Asia, first introduced through the Manila Galleon trade routes. Mr. Gerson Garduño of the Mexico-Singapore Chamber of Commerce shared a historical perspective, while Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner, Senarath Dissanayake, offered insights into the pairing of cinnamon with cocoa for a harmonious flavour profile.
The event also included tastings that celebrated cocoa’s cultural diversity. Venezuelan arepas infused with “Bola de Cacao” aroma, traditional Filipino batirol, and spiced chocolate from Sri Lanka were among the delicacies served, along with unique pairings of Venezuelan chocolate varieties with Santa Teresa 1796 Rum, El Patron tequila, and Canaima gin.
Ambassador López shared Venezuela’s commitment to preserving the genetics of this valuable crop, spotlighting cocoa tourism initiatives that invite global travellers to experience the production journey. The event closed with a tribute to the Afro-descendant communities who have nurtured cocoa crops in Venezuela for generations, an homage to their enduring contributions to the nation’s agricultural and cultural legacy.
Source: Embassy of Venezuela in Singapore
