Cocoa, the heart of chocolate, carries a story thousands of years old. First cultivated by the Mayans and Aztecs of Central and South America, it was cherished in sacred rituals, used in trade, and valued as currency. When cocoa crossed the Atlantic with European explorers, it was sweetened and transformed into the chocolate treat beloved worldwide today.
In Trinidad and Tobago, cocoa found its true paradise. By the 18th century, our rich soils and tropical climate made us a global powerhouse in cocoa production. It was here that the world-renowned Trinitario cocoa was born, a rare hybrid celebrated for its exquisite aroma and fine flavour.
Cocoa shaped our island’s economy, cuisine, and culture, leaving a lasting heritage. Though the industry declined in the 20th century, today local farmers and chocolatiers are bringing it back to life, crafting world-class artisanal chocolates rooted in our land and legacy.