Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Week
A SIP OF LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN COFFEE & CACAO
Republic of Panama and others
As part of Expo 2025 Osaka, Belize, Bolivia, Cuba, Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, and Peru will unite to celebrate the cultural and economic significance of coffee and cacao. This immersive event will feature guided tastings, sustainable innovation, and economic insights. Visitors will explore unique varieties shaped by each nation’s altitude, soil, and tradition—from Panama’s aromatic highland beans, Guatemala’s rich, full-bodied blends, the bold and concentrated flavor of Cuban coffee, to the Dominican Republic’s vibrant plantations, and Bolivia’s heritage wild cacao. Highlights include Belize’s velvety Criollo cacao and Peru’s silky, rich varieties. Every sample tells a story of craftsmanship, culture, and flavor, showcasing the vibrant essence of Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
Discussion
- Food culture
- Food education
- #Driving Economies #Sustaining Communities #Female participation in harvesting and production
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.06.05[Thu]
14:30 ～ 17:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
-
2025.06.16[Mon]
14:30 ～ 17:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
-
- Venue
- Others (Inside Venue)
- Commons-C
Programme details
Experience the rich heritage of Latin American and Caribbean coffee and cacao at this unique event. Over two afternoons, participants will enjoy a deep dive into the culture, economy, and innovation surrounding these iconic crops.
The program begins with a Round Table Discussion: National Experiences, where representatives from participating countries will share insights on the regions and varieties of coffee and cacao they cultivate. Discussions will highlight how geography shapes the unique qualities of each crop and emphasize the vital economic role coffee and cacao play locally and nationally. The session will also celebrate the crucial contributions of women across all stages of production—from farming to marketing.
Next, the Circular Economy: Reuse of By-products segment will explore innovative uses of coffee and cacao residues. Attendees will learn about turning pulp and peel into organic fertilizers, as well as their applications in cosmetics, textiles, alternative foods, and sustainable energy, promoting eco-friendly practices.
An interactive Q&A and Open Dialogue will follow, allowing guests to engage with speakers in a dynamic exchange moderated for a lively discussion.
The event concludes with an immersive Coffee and Cocoa Tasting, showcasing the diverse flavors and aromas that define these treasured crops and their rich cultural roots.
Reports
【Reflection】
This programme provided a valuable opportunity for eight countries—Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, and Peru—to collaborate and share multifaceted perspectives on culture, economy, and sustainability through coffee and cacao from the Latin America and Caribbean region.
Many participants expressed their delight, saying things such as, “I was amazed by the variety of aromas and flavours,” and “The cultural and economic contexts behind each were very intriguing.” The event successfully deepened understanding through a sensory experience.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Building on the insights and networks gained through this event, the participating countries—Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, and Peru—have begun initiatives to deepen international collaboration. For example, plans are underway to hold online seminars focused on information sharing about the circular economy and empowerment of women producers. These activities are expected to continue the cooperative momentum sparked by the Expo.
Additionally, to broaden understanding of the production background and unique flavours of coffee and cacao introduced at the event, awareness-raising activities in cooperation with educational institutions and fair-trade organisations in Japan are being considered. By highlighting the stories behind these products, we hope to encourage more sustainable consumer choices. In response to the many positive feedback received, each national delegation has felt increased interest in their products, recognising the programme’s significant role as a foundation for export promotion and tourism attraction. Post-event, related information continues to be shared via social media to sustain public engagement.
Moving forward, through continued exchanges between Latin American countries and Japan, we aim to contribute to co-creating a sustainable future by sharing diverse regional knowledge and addressing common challenges.
Co-organiser
Belize, Plurinational State of Bolivia
Republic of Colombia, Plurinational State of Bolivia
Dominican Republic, Republic of Guatemala
Republic of Peru
Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Week
A SIP OF LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN COFFEE & CACAO
As part of Expo 2025 Osaka, Belize, Bolivia, Cuba, Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, and Peru will unite to celebrate the cultural and economic significance of coffee and cacao. This immersive event will feature guided tastings, sustainable innovation, and economic insights. Visitors will explore unique varieties shaped by each nation’s altitude, soil, and tradition—from Panama’s aromatic highland beans, Guatemala’s rich, full-bodied blends, the bold and concentrated flavor of Cuban coffee, to the Dominican Republic’s vibrant plantations, and Bolivia’s heritage wild cacao. Highlights include Belize’s velvety Criollo cacao and Peru’s silky, rich varieties. Every sample tells a story of craftsmanship, culture, and flavor, showcasing the vibrant essence of Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
-
2025.06.05[Thu]
14:30～17:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
-
2025.06.16[Mon]
14:30～17:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
- Others (Inside Venue)
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
OTHER PROGRAM
Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Week
