BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SOMETHING new and sweet took place at Port Zante over the weekend with the launch of the island’s only chocolate factory which has been fittingly named The St. Kitts Chocolate Factory.
While the doors of the new enterprise did not open to the public until Saturday (Dec. 3), a grand opening and media launch was held on Friday afternoon (Dec. 2).
St. Kitts – known for the sugar which it once produced – is also known for the sweetness of its people and this venture, orchestrated by Chop Shop and Glitter entrepreneurs Gary Hiranandani and Seema Shahani, adds another dimension to the island’s culture.
Staffed by five local females, the Factory converts Belgian powdered chocolate into delectable sweet treats, the flavours of which stem from the island’s influence.
Its offerings include chocolate clusters, bars, truffles, molded chocolates, pralines, mousse, pates de fruit and liquors, each of which comes in about five flavours.
Brand ambassador and face of The St. Kitts Chocolate Factory Naheemah Hazell-Menon told SKNVibes that the idea for this venture was hatched four months ago.
“Seema had an idea about four months ago… She was in her bed and woke up and had the idea to have a chocolate factory. And from then to four months later, this is what they created. So it came out of a good idea and a genuine interest in doing something locally that was different and kind of diversifying the market.
She said the Factory is perfectly situated to inject variety and uniqueness into the Port Zante atmosphere.
“…At Port Zante there is a lot of the same kinds of things and we don’t have too many different option. So this is just something to give tourists something different to come to, to improve our tourism product. And then they were inspired…to really make it feel like St. Kitts…like a place that represents people who love St. Kitts and who are proud of St. Kitts…”
Representative of the Ministry of Tourism Alistair Williams said that Ministry is pleased to welcome the establishment to the Port Zante family thanked the owners for their vision.
As far as flavouring goes, Hazelle-Menon said the St. Kitts Chocolate Factory is already living up to its name.
“(They have) tried to make flavours unique to the Caribbean so that it doesn’t just say St. Kitts Chocolate Factory but it reflects the culture. So I’m really excited to be part of this project. I’m really happy Seema asked me to be the face of St. Kitts Chocolate Factory because, as you know, I love St. Kitts…It’s easy to sell St. Kitts because it’s nice and has a lot of beauty. But it is nice when people can come here and appreciate what we have here….”
Former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas was one of the individuals present at the launch and in an interview with the media, he congratulated the entrepreneurs on their newest initiative.
“I believe that this is a very worthwhile endeavor, providing employment opportunities, especially at a time when there seems to be a serious downturn in the economy. And so I want to congratulate them…on behalf of the St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party and on behalf of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Almond clusters, caramel poppers and passionfruit flavoured or infused chocolate are some of the tasty treats which are being offered at the St. Kitts Chocolate Factory and according to individuals who were present at the launch, the chocolate is of a high quality and the flavours are quite pleasing to the taste buds.
Open 9-5 from Mondays to Saturdays, the Chocolate Factory is easily accessible to both tourists and locals. An exception to the opening hours would be made if a ship is at port on a day when the Factory should be closed.
