We are the Spice Isle because everyone knows premium spices are grown on our shores. However, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger, and clove are not our only notable productions—there’s also cocoa. Grenada’s ‘fine flavour’ variety is well known worldwide. Did you know we hold a prominent place on the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) list of countries exporting fine flavour cocoa? Our cocoa exports have earned a 100% rating for their flavourful quality. Isn’t that a good reason to celebrate, and what better time with the Grenada Chocolate Fest taking place this month?

With the island boasting numerous cocoa farmers, several tree-to-bar chocolate companies, and many sole-trading cocoa products businesses, we have ample opportunity to experience this premium product in various forms. Moreover, chocolate will be on everyone’s minds with the Grenada Chocolate Fest 2025.

The Choc Fest offers locals and visitors a golden opportunity to learn about Grenada’s flavourful variety. Participants enjoy an enlightening six days with visits to a few local chocolate makers (Jouvay Chocolate and Belmont Estate), cocoa-ball-making workshops and chocolate tastings. With this in mind, we want to add to the discussion by sharing six fun facts about cocoa.

Six Fun Facts about Cocoa

Cacao vs Cocoa

Is it cacao or cocoa? These two terms can be bewildering. Which is the right one? Also, to confuse things even more, ‘cacao’ is the Spanish translation of cocoa. However, here’s how they are defined amongst those in the cocoa/chocolate industry. Cacao (pronounced cuh-cow) is the raw material from the plant’s beans, while cocoa is the by-product of the grounded beans.

Food of the gods

Cacao earned the name “food of the gods” because Mesoamericans believed it sacred, using it in religious rituals. Legend credits the Toltec god, Quetzalcoatl, with planting the cacao tree.  

Cocoa and the Aztecs

Cocoa was very prominent in the Mesoamerican culture. The beans were quite precious, so much so that the Maya and Aztecs used them as currency. If only they were still as valuable today!

Chocolate makes you happy

Cocoa beans contain a serotonin-producing amino acid called tryptophan. Serotonin is the happy hormone because it regulates mood and other bodily functions. It’s one of the reasons eating chocolate makes us so happy!

Flavour Beans

The beans are categorised as fine flavour or bulk/ordinary. This description is based on the cocoa’s fragrance profile. The ICCO explains that fine flavour beans organically contain flowery, woody, fruity, nutty, and other aromas.

Grenada’s cocoa is top quality

Although West Africa is the largest producer of cocoa, Grenada is amongst a select number of Caribbean countries that exclusively export the premium variety internationally. Fortunately, The Grenada Chocolate Company, Jouvay, Belmont Estate and others allow us to experience our delicious product in their tree-to-bar chocolates.  

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There’s no doubt that cocoa is ‘divine’. So, whether it’s a steaming cup of cocoa tea made from spiced balls or an 85% chocolate bar (because it’s said that grade offers the most benefit), you now have more reasons to try Grenada’s premium quality cocoa.

Sources: Carnegie Museums, ICCO, National Confectioners Association, San Diego Natural History Museum, and Whitakers.