The Emirate of Dubai has witnessed the first event of its kind ever to enhance and promote the values of sustainability and environmental protection in the chocolate production industry.
The event was organized by The Belgium Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, Belcolade Company, and BanoPuratos group and took place in the Raffles hotel in Dubai, in the presence of HE Peters Claes, Ambassador of Kingdom of Belgium to the UAE, some government officials, as well as representatives of business councils and various economic sectors, in addition to media professionals from several governmental and private institutions.
The UAE is dominating the global competitiveness rankings for 2020 in eight environmental indicators, while also placing first in the MENA region in 19 of them.
Over the past years, sustainability has been a primary concern in the UAE with strenuous efforts being made to move to a more sustainable future in all fields.
Distinguished ties
Extending his congratulations on the 50th UAE National Day, HE Peters Claes lauded the UAE-Belgium distinguished and growing relations in various areas.
He explained that the investment climate, which is provided by the well-developed legislation of UAE, constitutes an attractive environment for Belgian companies to employ their expertise and projects in building a sustainable investment base.
He noted that the UAE is a leading nation in establishing and promoting the values of sustainability at the international and regional levels, expressing his pleasure to share his country’s expertise in this critical area.
Sustainability
Mohamad Hashwi, CEO of BanoPuratos Group and the agent of Belcolade in the Middle East, said: "Sustainability and provision of healthy food is a key goal in our company. Therefore, we strive to provide the best raw materials for industrialists, so that they can provide healthy products that are free of additives."
Hashwi made it clear that his company also helps cocoa farmers by paying money for every kilo of chocolate sold, provided that the farmer is committed to delivering the finest types of cocoa that allow BanoPuratos to produce the best kind of chocolate.He congratulated the government and the people of UAE on the 50th anniversary of the UAE National Day.
Cacao-Trace Program
Sylvestre Awono – Product & Training Manager at BanoPuratos Group, reviewed the Cacao-Trace Program, which aims to achieve sustainability in the chocolate industry and preserve the environment, as part of the company’s commitments to its social and environmental responsibility.
The program is also financing the construction of schools, health care centers, wells, and rainwater tanks in cocoa-producing countries, he added.
Awono pointed out that the program is based on three main pillars, which are; highlighting its core value, sharing its results with cocoa farmers, and showing commitment to partners to make the cocoa supply chain prosperous and sustainable.
Joining the Celebrations of UAE National Day
Rayan Mohsen, The General Manager of BanoPuratos Group, said: "Choosing the UAE for this unique and exceptional event is not a coincidence. It stems from our keenness to draw inspiration from the spirit of creativity, excellence, and leadership that characterizes the UAE."
He also expressed the BanoPuratos Group’s delight and congratulations to the people of UAE on the 50th National Day of the UAE, commending the outstanding efforts being made by government agencies to make the UAE an incubator for innovative and successful projects.
Unveiling the Event Surprise
The event witnessed the unveiling of a chocolate sculpture of the Museum of the Future made by Chef Stephan Leroux.The sculpture embodies the long history and beauty of the Arabic language, embraces the wonderful future, and reflects the flourishing of culture, peaceful coexistence, and diversity.