Tag Archives: Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture

Show 523, April 29, 2023: Farsheed Bonakdar, Founder, Kona Cacao Association – Producer of the Big Island Chocolate Festival

Posted on by
Farsheed Bonakdar of the Kona Cacao Association

Kona Cacao Association is the creator of The Big Island Chocolate Festival. “The mission and goal of KCA is to promote the cacao industry on the Island of Hawai‘i by presenting the Big Island Chocolate Festival as an educational and outreach opportunity for local cacao farmers, the hospitality industry and cacao enthusiasts.”

“This year’s beneficiaries of The Big Island Chocolate Festival include Hawaii college culinary programs, Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture, Kona Dance & Performing Arts and Keahole Center for Sustainability.”

“In-person activities at The Chocolate Festival include culinary demonstrations for the home cook, cacao growing and processing seminars by industry experts, a new VIP-PLUS pre-gala Sunset & Pupu Pairing and a festive evening gala with culinary booths serving sweet and savory chocolate creations, chocolate fountain, entertainment, dancing, a silent auction and some surprises! Guests can enjoy unlimited wine, beer and a custom spritzer by Ola Brew, iced tea and coffee.”

The Founder of the Kona Cacao Association, Farsheed Bonakdar, is our guest.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 321, April 27, 2019: Farsheed Bonakdar, President, Kona Cacao (KCA) and Proprietor of Cocoa Outlet

Posted on by

Farsheed Bonakdar of Cocoa Outlet and Andy HarrisFarsheed Bonakdar is the President of the Kona Cacao Association, the Producer of the 8th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival. The mission and goal of the Kona Cacao Association is to promote the cacao industry on the Big Island of Hawaii by presenting the Big Island Chocolate Festival as an educational and outreach opportunity for local cacao farmers, the hospitality industry and cacao enthusiasts. The Festival benefits Island culinary arts and arts programs.

The 2019 Big Island Chocolate Festival proceeds will benefit the culinary programs at Hawaii Community College Palamanui, Kealakehe High School, Hawai‘i Island High Schools and Maui Community College, plus Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture, Waimea Country School, Kona Pacific Public Charter School’s West Hawaii Summer Lunch Program and Kona Dance & Performing Arts.

“If you think you know everything about chocolate—think again! Find out tricks for using chocolate in the kitchen and to better grow cacao—the tree that produces the coveted cocoa bean. All the fun is part of the Big Island Chocolate Festival (BICF) April 26-27. With the exception of a guided cacao plantation tour, all activities are at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.”

We’re talking all things delectably chocolate with Farsheed.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS