CocoTerra takes a new step toward its goal of contributing to the future of the global chocolate community by bringing innovation to the industry. We are excited to announce a new partnership with the Cocoa Research Centre at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine (CRC-UWI), to support cacao research through precision-controlled small-batch chocolate and cocoa liquor production.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Cocoa Research Centre and support the incredible work being led by Darin Sukha and his team at UWI,” said Nate Saal, CEO of CocoTerra. “Their research is helping advance our understanding of cacao quality and flavor, and we are proud that CocoTerra technology can contribute to that mission.”
As part of this collaboration, the CocoTerra Pro rapid chocolate processing system will be used to support important research activities, including varietal evaluation, fermentation and drying trials, chocolate formulation testing, and the development of protocols for scale-up production.
CocoTerra Pro will also help researchers evaluate single cacao varieties from the International Cocoa Genebank Trinidad (ICGT), one of the world’s most important collections of cacao genetic resources, as well as materials from ongoing research trials.
“This partnership with CocoTerra represents an exciting step forward for cocoa quality research. By enabling us to carry out rapid, reproducible preparation of cocoa liquor and chocolate, the CocoTerra Pro machine allows us to better investigate how genetics, growing environment, post-harvest processing, and chocolate making interact to shape flavor. These insights will strengthen our understanding of cocoa terroir and support innovation across the global fine flavor cocoa sector,” explained Dr. Darin Sukha, Research Fellow and Food Technologist at the Cocoa Research Centre.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing cacao science, supporting education, and driving innovation across the cocoa and chocolate industry.
“We look forward to seeing how this research contributes to future discoveries and strengthens the connection among cacao producers, researchers, and chocolate makers around the world,” said Saal.
About CocoTerra
CocoTerra develops innovative chocolate-making technology that enables users to create chocolate from cocoa nibs in under two hours. Designed for makers, educators, researchers, and chocolate enthusiasts, CocoTerra products combine precision, flexibility, and ease of use to unlock new opportunities for chocolate research and innovation.
About the Cocoa Research Centre (CRC-UWI)
The Cocoa Research Centre at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, is a globally recognized leader in cacao research, conservation, education, and development. Home to the International Cocoa Genebank Trinidad (ICGT), the Centre supports research and innovation that contribute to the advancement and sustainability of the global cocoa and chocolate sectors.
