Trinidad and Tobago’s position as a global leader in fine flavour cocoa was reinforced at the 2025 Edition of the Cacao of Excellence Recognition Ceremony, hosted by the Cocoa Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited today, Wednesday 15th April 2026, at the Dennis P. Ramdhan Complex, Couva, as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries signaled an accelerated push to scale the sector into a high-value, export-driven industry.
During his feature address, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, used the platform to articulate a clear and assertive policy direction for the cocoa industry, positioning it as a central pillar in the national agenda for economic diversification, rural transformation and foreign exchange generation. He reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s elite status as a producer of 100 percent fine flavour Trinitario cocoa, while emphasizing that sustaining this position requires deliberate investment, regulatory alignment and market-focused strategy.
“This is not simply about preserving a legacy industry, this is about aggressively positioning Trinidad and Tobago as the global benchmark for fine flavour cocoa. We are moving with the intention to protect our brand, expand our market share and ensure that our producers capture greater value in an increasingly competitive international space,” Minister Ratiram stated.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Mr Shankar Teelucksingh, Chairman of the Cocoa Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited; Dr Darin Sukha, Chair of the Cacao of Excellence Technical Committee; and Ms Annalean Inniss, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, all of whom reinforced the importance of quality governance, technical excellence and institutional collaboration in maintaining the country’s global standing.
A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of national awardees Carlisle Pemberton, Deosaran Jagroo and Mariella Pierre-Peschier, whose international success continues to validate the country’s reputation for producing world-class cocoa and reinforces the impact of ongoing sectoral investments.
The ceremony ultimately reflected a coordinated and forward-looking approach, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to build a modern, resilient and globally competitive cocoa industry, one that leverages its historic legacy while decisively advancing toward a high-value future.