COMPLETELY FULL - NEXT OPEN CLASS MAY 2016

The Academia de Cacao is a week-long, hands-on, fieldwork-based program created for anyone in the cacao/cocoa/chocolate supply chain who is interested in quality: what quality means, and how to improve quality by gaining a more thorough understanding of genetics, propagation techniques, farm management techniques, and harvest and post-harvest practices with a special focus on fermentation techniques and how to optimize them.

Participants should arrive in Managua on Sunday the 16th and leave Saturday the 22nd, although a supplement day (the 22nd) will be offered that will include both educational and sightseeing opportunities. Details will follow.

Number of Students

To ensure that everyone gets the most from the week the maximum number of students is set at 12.

Instructors

The lead instructor will be Zoi Papalexandratou , who is Ingemann Fine Cocoa's Head of Research and Development and Post-harvest Manager. Zoi's focus is on scaling up collection and post-harvest practices by establishing advanced infrastructure and detailed protocols for different fine cocoa varieties with main focus the unique flavor development in cocoa.

Zoi will be assisted by the entire Ingemann team, including (and especially) the farmers with whom they work.

Clay Gordon , creator and moderator of TheChocolateLife.com, is developing the curriculuar support materials and will join the group as moderator and co-instructor.

Program Outline

Sunday, August 16
Arrive in Managua, check in to hotel, reception dinner for all participants.

Monday August 17
This day will be spent in Managua preparing the groundwork for the rest of the week. The framework for all of the elements of the week's activities and curriculum will presented along with covering key concepts that will will form the basis for the program.

Tuesday August 18 - Friday August 21
These days will be spent in the field, returning to Managua in the early afternoon of the 21st where a final wrap up will take place. A complete day-by-day program is still in development and will be made available as soon as it is ready.

Saturday August 22

Return home or supplemental day.

Cost

The cost of the 2015 Academia de Cacao program is US$1195 and includes accommodation, transportation within Nicaragua, meals, and the course text book.

Not included are r/t airfare to Managua, airport transfers, tips, bar bills, and incidental expenses.

Current members of the FCIA and current students and graduates of Ecole Chocolat are entitled to a $200 discount (cost: $995). Current customers of Ingemann are entitled to a $300 discount (cost: $895).

Students who purchase cocoa from Ingemann in 2015 may be eligible for a US$100 rebate per 500kgs purchased, up to the cost of the program.

To reserve a place send email to Marguax Benitah at Academiadecacao@ingemann.com.ni  or to Clay Gordon @ tcl_info@thechocolatelife.com.

More information on the program and updates will be posted to this profile.