Na’Guará’s Agave Cocuy Chimichanga brings Venezuela’s ancestral heritage to Asia at the inaugural Agave Festival Singapore, strengthening cultural and commercial ties.
SINGAPORE, 25–27 September 2025 – Venezuelan craftsmanship and cultural heritage took centre stage as Cocuy, the traditional agave-based spirit of Venezuela, made its international debut in Asia during the 1st Edition of the Agave Festival Singapore. The event, held at Chimichanga Singapore and organised by Insurgence HQ Pte Ltd – Chimichanga Singapore, was supported by the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Embassy of Mexico.
Recognised as a cultural, ancestral, and natural heritage of Venezuela, Cocuy made its debut at an Asian agave festival, standing out before the media and guests as a tradition whose agave plant and artisanal production process embody the living expression of Venezuela’s indigenous heritage—symbolising the resilience and endurance of its people in preserving their origins.
Mr. Aghir Yadav, CEO of Chimichanga Singapore, highlighted that the introduction of Cocuy was made possible through connections established during his participation in the International Entrepreneurs Congress held in Caracas in April 2025. That visit provided firsthand exposure to Venezuelan products with geographical indications and export potential, such as Cocuy. He expressed his appreciation to Venezuelan entrepreneur Juan Israel Arévalo and his brand Na’Guará, representing the fourth generation of a family dedicated to agave cultivation and Cocuy production in Lara State. Mr. Yadav also acknowledged the efforts of the Venezuelan Embassy in Singapore, the Venezuela Country Brand Institute, the Official Postal Institute of Venezuela (Ipostel) and Singapore Post, whose coordinated work made it possible—in less than six months—to bring Cocuy to the Agave Festival, establishing a milestone for bilateral cultural and commercial exchange through the first-ever Cocuy export to Singapore.
Her Excellency Jessica María López Piña, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Singapore, expressed her profound pride and emotion in witnessing how Venezuela’s ancestral roots are being shared with the world through Cocuy de Penca. She underscored the uniqueness of this 100% organic Venezuelan spirit, noting its limited annual production and handcrafted process. The Ambassador emphasised that this collaboration reflects the Venezuelan Government’s commitment to promoting the creativity of its entrepreneurs, connecting them to new global markets, and showcasing to discerning consumers the exceptional quality of products made in Venezuela.
Throughout the festival showcase, guests enjoyed a Venezuelan culinary experience, featuring traditional dishes such as arepas, tequeños, and caraotas caraqueñas, which received an enthusiastic reception. These flavours will now become part of the regular menu offerings at Chimichanga’s restaurants in Singapore.
The event marks a milestone in Venezuela’s cultural and gastronomic history, as the nation gains visibility in Asia with new proposals that highlight its ancestral richness, diverse production, and growing national entrepreneurship. It also illustrates the possibilities for Venezuela’s integration into the global market, in line with the country’s goal of diversifying its economy.
Source: Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Singapore
