Africa is celebrated as the birthplace of coffee, offering some of the world's most exceptional varieties, while around 70% of the global cocoa supply comes from four West African countries.
With the rising demand for speciality and origin-specific products, particularly in urban areas, Coffee and Cocoa Week 2024 provides an exciting opportunity to boost intra-African trade and bring unique African brands to the forefront.
The event aims to unite Africa's coffee and cocoa industries into a single, interdependent market at Youngblood Africa in Cape Town from October 24-26.
“There is increasing enthusiasm across Africa for locally sourced coffee and chocolate. Coffee and Cocoa Week promotes the idea that the development of these industries should not be limited to exports alone. By enhancing local consumption, we can significantly improve the livelihoods of the farmers cultivating coffee and cocoa and shift the narrative from Africa being seen as merely a source of raw commodities,” organisers said.
“The event encourages the growth of African coffee and chocolate industries from within, one farmer, one cup, and one bar at a time.”
Attendees can look forward to a rich experience, receiving a complimentary chocolate gift on arrival. Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste chocolates, cocoa, and coffee from over 20 African brands.
“This three-day event will gather African producers, chefs, chocolatiers, and key industry leaders to showcase the continent's finest coffee and chocolate. Guests will enjoy tastings and learn more about African brands. Industry partners will have inter-African networking opportunities and explore unique culinary collaborations with luxury lodges and hotels across the continent.
“Coffee and Cocoa Week aims to foster inter-African collaboration, promote fair trade, and champion sustainable practices across the continent,” organisers said.
Kenya Airways will feature African-sourced coffee and chocolate on their duty-free platform and offer tasting experiences in select airport lounges.
In collaboration with Travel Africa Network, Kenya Airways will also profile coffee, cocoa, and chocolate destinations, showcasing farm-to-table experiences and tours that highlight tourism opportunities in these regions.
Luxury lodges and hotels across Africa will incorporate locally sourced coffee and chocolate into their culinary offerings, promoting fair trade, and fostering sustainable tourism.
Each ticket purchase automatically enters attendees into a draw to win a three-night stay for two at Victoria Falls, with return flights from Cape Town provided by Kenya Airways.
Children under 10 can enter for free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
For more information, visit coffeeandcocoaweek.com
Cape Times