Caribbean AgTech Investment Opportunities

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO | INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Caribbean AgTech Investment Summit, 2021

Email: sunbeamfound@gmail.com

Santa Maria Cocoa & Agriculture Development Company (SAMCAD) NGO Fine Flavour Chocolate & other Local Derivatives Private Sector The SAMCAD project was developed with the objective of rehabilitation of cocoa lands with the planting of new cocoa trees, in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. It includes the co-production of other local fruits and vegetables to assist cash flow and to provide additives that could be used to enhance chocolate production. The project has expanded cocoa cultivation and expects to harvest around 2 tons of fine flavoured Trinitario cocoa this year. The cocoa is processed into fine-flavoured chocolate infused with local fruit and spices flavours. SAMCAD already produces and tests markets limited amounts of these innovative flavours. The project is to expand the chocolate output by investing in larger more efficient conching, tempering, and wrapping machines that can satisfy food safety standards locally and for export. Investments will also include market research and promotion efforts including attractive packaging and promotional materials. Estimated Investment Cost: US$28,000 Mode of Investment: Partnership or joint venture Email: ancile.brewster@gmail.com, christina.barradasbrewster@gmail.com

CRC/IFCIC Cocoa Investment Prospectus Private Sector

The Cocoa Research Centre of the University of the West Indies (CRC) with funding from EU/ACP set up the International Fine Cocoa Innovation Centre (IFCIC) as a mechanism to support the development of the cocoa sector through nurturing private sector investment into the cocoa value chain. IFCIC is situated in a 10-acre facility within a 100-acre green field site in Mount Hope, Trinidad and Tobago. The IFCIC facility houses a 6-acre model cocoa farm, postharvest facilities, an intermediate product facility, a product certification centre and business and technology incubators. CRC has a mandate to support research, in the region as well as global cocoa industry players such as MARS-Wrigley, Mondelez, Barry Callebaut, OLAM, Cargill, Lindt and Sprunglii etc. also, innovation and development activities of the cocoa sector in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago being the country of origin of the ‘Trinitario cacao’, the basis for fine or flavoured cocoa is regarded globally as the ‘Noah’s Ark’ of cocoa. Fine or flavoured cocoa goes into the production of dark bean-to-bar flavoured chocolates and is sought after by the niche boutique chocolate manufacturers. This market segment is rapidly growing in most metropolices around the world. CRC has created a cocoa innovation ecosystem entitled the ‘International Fine Cocoa Innovation Centre’ to support private sector investment into the cocoa sector with Chocolate equipment (200 t capacity), Factory design and build tender process to commercialise innovative products and processes that it has developed. Estimated Investment Cost: US$1,500,000 Mode of Investment: Partnership or joint venture Email: ancile.brewster@gmail.com, christina.barradasbrewster@gmail.com

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