Venezuela Cocoa: Chocolate exports provide economic relief

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Venezuela's deteriorating economy has left many in despair. As the oil-rich country struggles to regain its foothold on the global market, some are banking on another resource to pull them out of poverty: chocolate. CGTN's Juan Carlos Lamas reports from Caracas.

To the rhythm of Venezuelan music, thousands of people have come to sell and to sample chocolate made from Venezuelan cocoa beans.

More than 100 cacao farmers and chocolatiers are participating in the sixth annual cocoa fair. Locals are here to sample the goods, but the big prize is the export market.

ALEJANDRO BARRIOS CHOCOLATIER "All our products are qualified for export. We take care of every single aspect, from the chocolate making to the final packaging. Here in Venezuela we have the best cocoa, and we're moving forward to have the best chocolate as well."

Despite Venezuela's economic downturn, entrepreneurs have found some creative ways to produce high-quality chocolate.

WOLFANG DIAZ CHOCOLATIER, COCOA FARMER "The crisis has led us to create new things, exciting things to be honest. We barely use milk in our products because it's impossible to find, so instead we use fruit like lemons, strawberries and oranges."

Chocolatiers say Venezuelan cocoa is genetically unique and the complex aroma of its beans makes it much sought after.

JUAN CARLOS LAMAS CARACAS "Venezuela is among 23 countries in the world recognized for producing and exporting fine aroma cocoa. In all, chocolatiers here say they produce around 18 thousand tons of cocoa each year."

Venezuelan chocolate is also appreciated by the locals.

NEUCEBELIZ RU CUSTOMER "I suffer from diabetes, but I can't help myself tasting such wonderful creations."

MARIA ELENA GONZALEZ CUSTOMER "The fair is an excellent way to show Venezuelan cocoa producers are still betting on this country. We have some of the best cocoa in the world, and this a great way to show it."

One sweet note in a country suffering from a deep economic crisis, cocoa production and exports offer a lifeline and an opportunity for economic growth. Juan Carlos Lamas, CGTN, Caracas.