CubaPLUS Magazine

The newly established Slovakian-Cuban joint venture, Baracocoa S.A., is poised to revolutionize chocolate production on the island. Dariel Lamadrid Martín, President of Alimentos y Bebidas S.A. (Alimcor S.A.), told CubaPLUS that the investment, spearheaded by the foreign partner, will drive technological innovation and enable the production of high-quality cocoa derivatives.

This initiative, he continued, will facilitate the introduction of these products into the international market. Crucially, the project provides essential financing to support cocoa production within the Guantánamo region. A portion of the investment is specifically earmarked for integrating with the agricultural sector, providing resources to enhance cocoa yields.

"This will enable the revitalization of approximately 500 hectares of existing farmland initially, followed by the development of an additional 500 hectares, ensuring a reliable supply of the fundamental raw material necessary for producing cocoa derivatives. The project encompasses both the agricultural cultivation and the industrial processing aspects," he explained.

Baracocoa S. A. will be based at the Empresa de Derivados del Cacao, Rubén David Suárez Abella, a company founded in 1963 in Baracoa, Guantánamo Province, by Commander Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Operations are projected to commence in October.

"Initially, production will be allocated to the domestic market, with subsequent exportation to countries in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This is intended to generate the liquid capital that the country urgently needs to replenish essential supplies and raw materials," he noted.

Discussing the leadership of the new enterprise, Lamadrid emphasized the presence of women in key roles, a source of pride for the Cuban side. Belkys Rivero Basail, with 23 years of experience in the sector, including various positions within chocolate and confectionery factories, assumes the role of Commercial Director for Baracocoa S.A. She considers this new responsibility a challenging yet rewarding opportunity.

"This work is highly stimulating because I believe it represents recognition and advancement after so many years of dedicated service. It's a chance to apply my knowledge and learn new things," she commented.

Baracocoa S. A. will produce a range of cocoa derivatives, including chocolate bars, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cocoa butter (a key ingredient for other products), as well as cocoa liquor and powdered chocolate.

This marks the first joint venture created by Alimcor S. A. and represents a significant step forward. In addition to modernizing the Cuban chocolate industry, it will contribute to increasing the country's foreign exchange earnings, vital for the recovery of the national economy.