Jamaica’s Cocoa Regulator Urges Support For Local Chocolatiers

Jamaicans should buy more locally made chocolate to strengthen the industry and the economy, according to the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA).

“Since we grow what we eat and we eat what we grow, we need to support our local chocolatiers,” said Chevonne Aschute, JACRA’s acting senior director for cocoa and coconut. Higher local demand would raise prices paid to farmers, creating a “reciprocating effect” that improves livelihoods, he added.

Jamaica is one of few countries awarded 100 percent “fine flavor status” by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), a designation that recognizes exceptional bean quality. That premium allows Jamaican cocoa to command higher prices than bulk cocoa on international markets.

JACRA continues to work with farmers to maintain product quality and ensure pods are market-ready.