Urgent: Explore Chocolate’s Hidden Secrets at Virtual Event Tonight
UPDATE: A unique virtual event titled “The Politics of Chocolate with Cocoa Beantown” is set to take place tonight, September 30, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. at the Groton Public Library. This urgent presentation will be led by Victoria Kichuk, a renowned chocolate sommelier and founder of Cocoa Beantown in Boston, who will delve into the serious global issues intertwined with chocolate, including child labor, women-owned cooperatives, and Fair Trade practices.
Kichuk’s extensive experience over nearly 15 years has taken her across the globe, sampling chocolate from North America to Asia. Her insights promise to reveal chocolate’s captivating yet complex history, which includes not only delightful flavors but also troubling narratives of corporate espionage and ethical concerns.
The event is free and open to the public, supported by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust. Participants can register through the library’s website at gpl.org in the adult calendar section.
Kichuk has consulted for prestigious chocolatiers and has been featured in international publications like Hotel Chocolat and Lindt. Her presentations at esteemed institutions like Harvard and M.I.T. have made her a sought-after speaker, and she will be heading to the Northwest Chocolate Festival in Seattle shortly after this event.
In 2019, Kichuk made headlines by traveling to Colombia with the first solo American woman to win at the International Chocolate Awards. Her journey included visits to cacao farms, processing facilities, and cultural experiences with the indigenous Arhuacos tribe. Just this past July, she explored cacao’s origins in Peru, visiting ancient archaeological sites linked to chocolate’s rich heritage.
Kichuk emphasizes the power of chocolate to create connections and joy. “It can bring smiles to faces in an instant and create happy memories that last a lifetime,” she stated.
This is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, history, and food. Don’t miss the chance to engage with Kichuk and uncover the deeper stories behind your favorite treat.
For more information and to secure your spot for this enlightening Zoom presentation, visit gpl.org now.
