Quai Craft Chocolate, a Guyanese small business, recently copped an award at the 2024 Latin/ South America and Caribbean competition of the International Chocolate Awards.
Quai’s 70% cinnamon sorrel chocolate bar copped a bronze award.
“It is the first time in the history of Guyana that a locally crafted chocolate is being recognised on such a platform.
“For such a young company we are so proud we placed in our category, especially considering there were over 1,000 entries this year, many from well-known cocoa producing countries,” the company’s founder, Naiya Kartick- Bulkan told the News Room.
So what is Quai Craft Chocolate?
According to Bulkan, her love for chocolate and a bit of science and creativity were the right ingredients needed to make premium quality chocolate. ‘Quai’ was chosen after combining Naiya’s and her daughter, Quinn’s names.
Quai, however, isn’t a large-scale operation. Naiya described it as both a passion project and a labour of love.
The chocolates are handcrafted and made in micro batches with cocoa sourced directly from the Blue Flame Womens’ Group in Hosororo Hill, Region One (Barima- Waini). This group helps to empower women of the community through training and avenues to earn.
The emphasis placed on using locally-produced cocoa beans is complemented by choice packaging. From sloths to jaguars and birds, each box showcases animals indigenous to Guyana and features a golden map of Guyana.
What’s next for Quai Craft Chocolate?
Having placed in the regional competition, Quai Craft Chocolate can enter the global competition later this year.
Outside of that possible venture, Naiya said the focus remains on producing top- tier chocolate.
“The plan is to keep creating delicious chocolates, with inspired flavours that people enjoy and maintain our premium quality that people know and expect,” she said.
