Dr. Darin Sukha, from the Cocoa Research Centre at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, conducted a training session on Cocoa Post-Harvest Management Techniques, Processing, and Sensory Evaluation at Wooton from 16-20 September 2024. Over the five-day workshop, 19 participants, including FAREI staff, farmers, and processors, gained valuable knowledge on cocoa fermentation, drying, quality control, chocolate production, and sensory evaluation. The training also featured hands-on activities, such as the extraction of cocoa beans using a pod cracker, quality assessment of cocoa beans, and chocolate-making techniques utilizing a lab-scale cocoa processor.
In addition, presentations at FAREI’s St. Pierre Office covered global cocoa industry trends and R&D strategies. Site visits to cocoa fields, FAREI research stations, and a cocoa processing facility from 14-15 September provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of cocoa cultivation and processing in Mauritius. Dr. Sukha demonstrated cocoa tree pruning and harvesting techniques, addressing challenges faced in the sector.
The training and site visits enriched participants’ knowledge of post-harvest techniques and cocoa processing, equipping them with practical skills to improve their performance in the field. The sessions also highlighted key issues, such as cocoa tree management, harvest criteria, the global cocoa market, and the risks of disease or pest introduction through the importation of plant material from one cocoa-producing country to another.
