Background: Why a mission to Belize
Cacao (cocoa) is an indigenous crop in Belize but its commercial development dates back only a few decades ago. Production is concentrated mainly in the South of the country by smallholders with annual production levels of around 100 Mt. The cocoa produced in this way is valued as a fine-flavoured product fetching a premium price in world markets. A small proportion of the cocoa is being locally processed and marketed under local brand names by nine small Belizean chocolate producers. Most of this is consumed locally, but some is exported to the US. World demand for cocoa, in particular the organic fine flavour cocoa, which Belize produces, is quickly expanding due to shifting consumer preference and emerging markets like China. 
 
Given the growing demand on the world market for fine-flavoured cocoa, there is a strong case for expanding production, both at smallholder level as well as by larger scale estates. In addition, further development of locally produced chocolate and chocolate products is requiring more attention and signals opportunities for further value addition.
Objectives of the mission:
The overall purpose of the mission is to examine areas of cooperation and assistance to further the development of the cocoa and chocolate industry in Belize. The main objectives of the mission are outlined hereafter:
  • Exploration of options to expand the area under cocoa both at smallholder as well as estate level;
  • Assess the potential for (new) export markets for cocoa and cocoa products 
  • Possible assistance to smallholders to improve husbandry techniques (production and post-harvest) as well as the provision of micro-credit;
  • Assist the local chocolate industry in improving and expanding its output;
  • Assess possibilities for assistance to improve the institutional and regulatory framework for cocoa. This includes (a) the establishment of industry governance standards – including GI and certification and (b) preparation of a strategy for further investment and export promotion of cocoa and cocoa products.

Welcome Agenda

Time
Details
1:45 pm 
Media Interviews / Press
2:00 pm 
Welcome to the Cacao Industry Mission 2018 – Belize City, Belize
The Belize Cacao Trade and Investment Mission will open with a brief overview of the activities in the mission including the overarching objectives.
2:00 pm
Welcome Address
H.E. Patrick Andrews – CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2:10 pm
Keynote Address
Ms. Lejia Melanie Gideon – General Manager, BELTRAIDE
2:20 pm
Address
Mr. Erwin De Weerdt – President, EURACEN
2:30 pm 
Plenary Session – The Cacao Industry in Belize
The plenary session seeks to provide a brief overview on the cacao industry in Belize including the national agricultural outlook, associated investment policies, trade agreements, cacao related standards, health regulations as well as trade and investment opportunities. The plenary will be followed by a brief Q & A.

Video Presentation: The Belize Cacao Industry Overview (2 minutes)

Moderator:
Mr. Hero Balani – Manager, BelizeINVEST - Generation, BELTRAIDE

Panelist:
Mr. Jose Alpuche – CEO, Ministry of Agriculture
Mr. Lincoln Blake – Director, Investment Policy and Compliance
Mr. Andy Sutherland – Director, Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Mr. Kenrick Witty – Plant Health Officer, Belize Agricultural Health Authority
3:30 pm 
Closing Remarks
Ms. Shahera McKoy – Manager, EXPORTBelize, BELTRAIDE
3:45 pm 
​*Light Refreshments and Networking

Belize Cacao Industry | Trade and Investment Prospectus

Itinerary 

belize_cacao_mission_2018_-_itinerary__final_-1.pdf
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Pocket Guide

pocket_guide_to_toledo_district_belize.pdf
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