The Baracoa Chocolate Factory in Guantánamo is poised to start up production soon. Over 90% of the equipment installation and assembly are completed. Cuban employees worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to reach this goal.
Pedro Azahares Cuza, director of the Baracoa Chocolate Factory, told Granma press that the company is waiting for the go-ahead from the German and Italian manufacturers of the technology and equipment. The Food Industry Import-Export Company, Alimpex, purchased the new equipment.
The machinery from Germany will grind beans for cocoa butter extraction and micro pulverize cocoa. Cocoa butter is a leading exportable product of Cuba.
The Italian equipment will produce chocolate tablets of 30, 50, and 100 grams and 12 grams of fancy filled chocolates. Installation is 95% complete.
Italian technicians will install and assemble the wrapping machines, a warranty requirement.
In October, the new steam and hot water systems were installed.
Maintenance on the production lines for products destined for national consumption is completed.
The factory project also includes a laboratory for quality testing.
A milestone in local production will be reached as the Baracoa Chocolate Factory begins production. It is expected that the factory will increase cocoa grinding, and chocolate production. Chocolate production per day is predicted to double.
Processing at the Chocolate Factory will begin with 3,000 tons of high-quality cocoa beans.
Information source: ProCuba
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