MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Nicaragua participated in the second World Cocoa Conference with a delegation that successfully showcased the country’s cocoa export offer.
The event was organized by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) in Amsterdam from June 9-13, and attracted over 1,400 industry stakeholders from 55 countries.
As part of the Competitiveness Strengthening Program for Nicaraguan Enterprises, the Nicaraguan delegation that participated in the event included six SMEs: five cocoa producers, among them MLR Forestal, Cacao Oro de Nicaragua AGRO NICA S.A., COODEPROSA, Tierra de Lagos y Volcanes S.A.-Le Cacaotal and Cooperativa La Campesina; and the innovative organic cosmetics enterprise, MIZAR, which produces cocoa-based lotions and ointments, among other products.
“This is the first time that Nicaragua participates in this conference and we did it successfully, demonstrating not only the quality of our cocoa beans but also the professionalism of our producers and the innovative ways in which we use cocoa”, commented Guisell Morales-Echaverry, Ambassador of Nicaragua in London, who supported the country’s delegation throughout the event.
“Our participation demonstrates once again the government’s commitment of working hand in hand with the private sector to promote the country’s export offer and to position Nicaragua as a global leader of fine cocoa exports”, added Morales-Echaverry.
For Denis Escorcia, General Manager of Cooperativa La Campesina, their participation in this conference was very gratifying.
“It allowed us to get close to the main cocoa importer market, but also to great companies and world leaders that recognized the quality of our product. We thank the effort in organizing this event and we will continue to work to project the potential of this sector”, said Escorcia.
Roger Roman of MLR Forestal and Xochilt Obando of MIZAR also agreed the event was an excellent opportunity to immerse in the global cocoa market.
“It was a valuable occasion to project our company internationally, to learn and exchange ideas with experts, and to create new business opportunities with potential buyers” commented Roman.
Likewise, Obando expressed her contentment with their participation in the conference: “through this event we want to create new paths for Nicaragua in the organic cosmetics industry”.
The event brought together key stakeholders in the world’s cocoa value chain, including government representatives, trade and industry leaders, and producers.
The conference also featured presentations, workshops and panel discussions involving experts of the cocoa community, to address the most important and current issues in cocoa production.
PRONicaragua is the official investment and export promotion agency of the Government of Nicaragua, established in 2002.
It is a non-profit, public-private institution whose mission is to generate economic growth and job creation in Nicaragua by attracting high-quality foreign direct investment. The agency provides complimentary support services to qualified investors seeking investment opportunities in our country.
For more information visit www.pronicaragua.org.
