Colombia, the producer of one of the world’s finest cacao is showcasing the goodness of a range of wellness products this week in the Colombia Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020.  As part of the weeklong event dubbed ‘EVOK Week’ which is taking place from February 1 to 5, visitors can experience and learn about the high-quality Colombian wellness products made from unique blends of herbs, spices and fruits, such as Colombian chocolates, herbal infusions and honey.

The event is named after a local Colombian business ‘EVOK’ which promotes the health benefits of spices, aromatic herbs, and fruits, as well as underlines the eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable development in the Colombian cacao sector. Recognizing the growing importance for organic and herbal products, Colombia is also highlighting its 100 per cent natural products that offer wellness, tranquility, and vitality. According to the International Cacao Organization, 95 per cent of the Colombian cacao beans, namely the Trinitario and Criollo are well known for their taste and aroma and are considered the ‘Fine Flavor’.

The climate and geographical location of Colombia are best suited for growing cocoa and as a result, it offers a range of flavors, including fruity and floral. During the five days of EVOK week, visitors can experience the diverse tastes of Colombian cocoa. Majority of these beans or 72 per cent of them come from Santander, Antioquia, Arauca, Huila, and Tolima. Visitors will also be able to get an insight about these regions.

By this event, Colombia, the 11^thlargest producer of cocoa beans as per United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is also underlining the investment opportunities in the nation’s agribusiness sector. As per ProColombia, the market for Colombian cocoa is expected to mark an annual growth rate of 6.3 per cent between 2019 and 2024.

The EVOKweek at the Colombia Pavilion also spotlights the therapeutic and medicinal benefits of the amber coloured and delicious natural bee honey from Vichada, which comes mainly from the extrafloral nectar of acacia mangium trees as well as varieties of honey with the smell of dry grass, wood, balsam, tree resin and valerian. Moreover, the visitors can also gain in-depth knowledge about the benefits of honey, how it boosts the immune system as well as its role in traditional Colombian ceremonies.

In addition, the EVOK store located in the Pavilion also offers a unique array of wellness products, and visitors can find unique chocolates, infusions, and honey in their portfolio.Many of the wellness products in EVOK’s portfolio contains a high percentage of fiber as well as antioxidants that reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The celebrations are also in line with showcasing the extensive potential of Colombia’s health and wellness sector.