Dominican Republic promotes premium cocoa at Brussels industry forum

Belgium.- The Dominican Republic highlighted the quality and international potential of its cocoa industry during the Dominican Cocoa Forum, held in Brussels as part of the first Dominican Week in Belgium and the Netherlands. The event brought together producers, chocolatiers, entrepreneurs, institutional representatives, and key stakeholders from the European cocoa sector to strengthen trade ties and promote Dominican cocoa in international markets.

A central focus of the forum was the presentation of progress on the “Dominican Cocoa” Geographical Indication (GI) Seal, an initiative designed to certify and protect the origin of Dominican cocoa while enhancing its global recognition and market value. Organizers emphasized that the certification will help reinforce the product’s reputation for quality, sustainability, traceability, and unique regional characteristics.

Speaking at the event, Dominican Ambassador to Belgium Joan Margarita Cedano described Dominican cocoa as a global benchmark for fine-flavor cocoa, recognized for its distinctive taste profiles and high production standards. The forum featured expert presentations, discussions on sustainability and origin certification, and product tastings, providing European buyers and chocolate manufacturers with an opportunity to explore the qualities that have positioned the Dominican Republic among the world’s leading premium cocoa producers.