Inside Grenada Chocolate Fest 2025: Best Moments and What to Expect in 2026

The 12th annual Grenada Chocolate Festival 2025 wrapped up on a high note, celebrating Grenada’s rich cocoa heritage with a vibrant, community-powered showcase of culture, flavor, and resilience. From May 22–27, locals and visitors gathered across the island to indulge in a dynamic lineup of events that blended Grenadian chocolate, wellness, food, education, and fun.

Held under the powerful theme “Roots of Resilience,” this year’s festival paid tribute to the strength of Grenada’s cocoa and chocolate industry in the wake of Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in June 2024. Despite damage to farms, trees, and facilities, cocoa farmers and chocolate artisans rallied with passion and perseverance, rebuilding, replanting, and continuing to create world-class products. Their dedication could be felt in every tasting, workshop, and story shared throughout the festival.

At the festival’s opening, Crayfish Bay Organics received special recognition for their extraordinary resilience following Hurricane Beryl. As one of the most severely impacted cocoa plantations, they quickly resumed production and continued supplying chocolate to the local market—standing as a powerful symbol of perseverance and community dedication.

The opening day also featured a compelling panel discussion led by Shadel Nyack of Belmont Estate, bringing together government officials and a top cocoa expert. The conversation tackled the growing impact of climate change on Grenada’s agriculture—especially cocoa—and explored sustainable, collaborative solutions to safeguard the island’s farming future.

Now in its 12th year, the Grenada Chocolate Festival, founded by Magdalena Fielden has evolved into a celebrated cultural event and a vital part of the resort’s sustainability mission—engaging the community while promoting ethical chocolate production and the global significance of cocoa preservation.

“This year’s festival was a reflection of how chocolate is deeply woven into our identity and
economy, and how it continues to evolve as a symbol of creativity and connection,” said
Magdalena Fielden, founder and organizer of Grenada Chocolate Fest. “We are especially proud
of the increase in local participation, from young children to elders, who brought incredible energy
and pride to every event.”

Highlights of the Festival Included:
The premiere of Bean by Bean, a locally filmed and produced documentary showcasing
Grenada’s cocoa journey through powerful storytelling and stunning visuals.

The launch of Crazy for Cocoa, a children’s book designed to teach young readers about
cocoa farming, the chocolate-making process, and the joy that chocolate brings.

Popular events such as hikes, farm tours, culinary experiences, fashion showcases, and
cocoa-infused wellness activities—all celebrating the versatility of chocolate and the brilliance
of local and visiting talent.

Looking Ahead to 2026: A More Regional Approach
Organizers are already hard at work planning Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026, which will take on a
more regional flavor. Next year’s festival will feature expanded professional and technical
workshops, bringing together experts and stakeholders from across the Caribbean to enhance
cocoa and chocolate production standards throughout the region.
At the same time, more informal and interactive events will ensure that tourists, locals, and
chocolate lovers alike continue to experience the magic of chocolate in fresh, accessible, and
unforgettable ways.

With Gratitude
The Grenada Chocolate Festival 2025 would not have been possible without the generous support of
our principal sponsor, the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association’s Tourism Enhancement Fund,
whose continued investment in cultural tourism and sustainable community initiatives is deeply
appreciated.
The GCF Team is also grateful to our additional sponsors, the dedication of our event organizers,
and the enthusiastic involvement of our participants. Special thanks to our cocoa farmers,
chocolatiers, volunteers, local artists, educators, and business partners who brought their creativity
and passion to every moment of this festival.

Heartfelt thanks is also extended to visiting experts from Mexico, Mario Cantoral and Sophie
Vanderbecken, for sharing their deep knowledge and international perspective on cocoa
innovation and sustainability.

2026 dates will be announced soon, visit www.grenadachocolatefest.com