Food Magazine September 2014 | Page 92

PRONICARAGUA
Nicaragua ’ s success harvest in cocoa industry
Harvest

Nicaragua has always been highlighted by the quality of its agricultural sector , as weather conditions and abundant water resources make the country ideal for producing a wide variety of crops instead . Thus , the cocoa industry of Nicaragua has established itself as the most dynamic in Central America , and also enjoys a favorable environment for the modernization and increased production and processing . Also , cocoa available in the country is the Trinitarian type , if properly fermented , is the preferred raw material for thin and dark chocolates .

Annually 4,000 metric tons of cocoa from approximately 8,000 hectares are produced and exported primarily to Central America and Europe . However , the country has more 350,000 cocoa hectares suitable for growing , mainly located in the North Atlantic Autonomous Region and the South Atlantic Autonomous Region , according to a study by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ( MAG ) done in 2010 .
Since 2007 , cocoa exports were driven by rising grain prices on the international market and increased domestic production . These
92 September 2014