Peru dazzles at Europe’s most important cocoa and cocoa products fair

The eyes of the world were on Peru at the eighth edition of Chocoa, Europe’s most important cocoa and cocoa products fair, which took place in the Netherlands, reported the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERU).

Between February 19 and 23, in the city of Amsterdam, Peru took part with a country stand offering this important Peruvian product to all the professionals and key players in the entire commercial chain who were attending this outstanding event, which promotes the sustainable value chain at a global level.

The Peruvian delegation was composed of eight exporters – including producers, processors and chocolatiers – of which five were from the region of Cusco. They were assisted by PROMPERU’s Trade Office in the Netherlands and the Lima Chamber of Commerce.

Peru at Chocoa 2020

The stand was inaugurated by the co-founder of Chocoa, Jack Stein; who was accompanied by the representative of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and Nature and Food Quality, Sebastiaan Grosscurt; the Peruvian consul in Amsterdam, Jorge Wurst; the official of the Peruvian embassy in the Netherlands, César Larraín; and the commercial advisor of PROMPERU Netherlands, Amora Carbajal.

Peru also had a presence at the conferences put on by the Dutch fair, giving presentations on the production process, the traceability of the value chain of Chuncho cocoa in Cusco, and the role that producers have in this huge industry.

The goal of this presentation was to raise awareness of the strong commitment that Peru has to the biosphere and to the different genotypes of Chuncho cocoa which are threatened by genetic erosion. In addition, during the gala dinner which the fair hosts for international buyers, guest chef Jaime Pesaque (Callao restaurant) offered a taste of his best dishes, inspired by the country of the Incas, but with touches of fine cocoa flavor.

Before arriving in Amsterdam, the Peruvian delegation carried out an intensive work agenda in Brussels, which allowed them to visit processing companies, learn about new trends and find business opportunities. As a result of these activities, it is estimated that more than $1.2 million in business will be generated.

Details

The port of Amsterdam receives the largest quantity of cocoa in the world, around 600,000 metric tons, which accounts for a fifth of the world's supply. Furthermore, the largest processor in Europe is located in the Dutch region of Brabante, with an annual production of 7.2 million bars of chocolate.