CHOCAGUAN

Committee of cacao-producers in Remolino del Caguan and Suncillas

Background:

In 1989, a programme of Food Security and Regional Development was initiated in Parroquia de Remolino next to the existing programmes of agricultural production, like, for instance, the planting of cacao with 30 families under the slogan:
“Yes to Cacao, No to Coca.”

Later, in the middle of 1993, the first cacao could be harvested and whilst difficulties were encountered in the commercialization of fresh cacao, the idea was developed to market table chocolate made out of cacao instead.

At the beginning of 1996, an agro industrial plant was assembled in Remolino de Caguan.

Currently, CHOCAGUAN produces table chocolate which is sold in Remolinos and its surroundings. This product received authorization by INVIMA (the National Institute for Drug and Food Surveillance) and is listed in the Sanitary Register.

Specific Objectives of CHOCAGUAN:

• To give continuity to the transfer of technology for the improvement of machines and processes
• To avoid losses after the harvest
• To purchase raw cacao from the farmers of the region to produce chocolate
• To generate community participation in licit production processes
• To sell their products in the supermarket chains
• To raise the quality of life of its members