Female protagonism marks the International Chocolate and Cocoa Festival in Altamira
The event highlights, for the fourth consecutive year, the role of women in cocoa and chocolate production, with the presence of indigenous women, riverside dwellers, and agro entrepreneurs.
The fourth edition of the International Chocolate and Cocoa Festival in Altamira comes to an end this Sunday (29), once again reinforcing the strength and protagonism of women in the cocoa production chain. Held at the Vilmar Soares Convention Center, the event features 140 booths with exhibitors from various municipalities in the region, and highlights, in particular, the work of female entrepreneurs who operate in the field and the forest.
This is the case of Joelma Menezes and Sônia Duarte, who faced the long distance between the villages of Tancredo Neves and Maguari, in the municipality of São Félix do Xingu, to Altamira, to present the products made by the Association of Women Producers of Fruit Pulps (AMPPF), of which they are members. The cooperative brings together 46 women and maintains an agro-industry that provides school meals through the National School Feeding Program (PNAE).
At the group's booth, visitors can learn about products derived from cocoa and native fruits of the region, such as the “gulosa” — a typical fruit of São Félix do Xingu, with a sweet and sour taste, cultivated in Agroforestry Systems (SAFs) in consortium with cocoa. At the festival, it appears in versions of jelly, liqueur, and pulp.
“Presenting our products is showing the strength of women's work. In the past, women depended heavily on their husbands. Today, each one has her income, her independence,” says Joelma.
Indigenous women also gain space
The festival also gives visibility to indigenous women from the Xingu region. One of the highlights is “Chocodjá,” chocolate produced by the Juruna Tubyá Indigenous Association, located on the Picadinho road, in the region of the Asurini people. The brand is the result of the efforts of four women from the Yudjá (Juruna) ethnicity, who came together to professionalize and strengthen the production of their own cocoa and chocolate.
President of the association, Irasilda Fernandes Juruna celebrates the achievement. “The production of chocolate has brought us a new source of income. Chocodjá is a mix of our people with chocolate. With the support of Norte Energia, we were able to turn this dream into reality and launch our product at the festival,” she says.
Valuing women in agriculture
The state secretary of Agricultural Development and Fisheries, Giovanni Queiroz, who visited the festival booths, highlighted the importance of female protagonism in the sector.
“These products represent more than flavors and aromas — they carry the history, the struggle, and the strength of women in agriculture. It is income generation and female autonomy materialized in each package,” he stated.
For the Sedap manager, the festival was once again a success in terms of attendance and business. “We conclude another edition with a full house, good sales, and great pride in what was presented by our producers. Everyone deserves congratulations,” he concluded.
Service- The Chocolat Xingu ends this Sunday at 9 PM at the Vilmar Soares Events Center, on Jader Barbalho Avenue, Sudam II neighborhood, in Altamira.
