Mangaluru: The students of Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO), in association with CAMPCO and Forum Fiza, has organised a two-day chocolate festival at the Forum Fiza Mall here.
The festival, named “Chocolate Street”, has been organised by the final year students of the institute as part of their project work, and is a platform for home-based bakers and chocolatiers from all over Mangaluru to display and sell their chocolate goodies.
The event was inaugurated by chief guest Anita Jesuman, AGM, Chocolate Division, CAMPCO on April 7 at 10.30 AM at the venue. Sayi Prasanna Hegde, Deputy Director (Admin), Nitte (Deemed to be University), was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Anita said, “Homemade chocolate has taken a backseat in Mangaluru in the current age. Mangalureans usually go to places like Madikeri to buy beautifully wrapped and presented chocolates for a lot of money. They are not aware that these same chocolates are available in the city for a fraction of the price.” Speaking about CAMPCO, she said that they supply raw materials for chocolate production to companies like Hershey’s and other big names. “We supply raw materials to a lot of companies in India itself. Even foreign companies contact us for raw materials. We have invested a lot on equipment because we believe in quality”, she said and invited those interested to visit the plant and see how things are done. Speaking to the students, she requested them to support the companies of the Indian soil and help grow the Indian economy.
“Nitte’s vision is not just to make the students employable but also humane”, said Sayi Prasanna Hegde. “I am thankful to the students for providing such a platform to the home-based bakers free of cost. I hope that the people will continue to support our students so that they can conduct more of such festivals in the future”, she added.
Prof. Raviraj Kini compered the inaugural ceremony. The staff event coordinator Kiran Thingalaya proposed a vote of thanks.
The participants brought everything from chocolate cupcakes, to puddings, pastries, smoothies and other chocolate-laden treats. The festival will continue till 8.30 PM on April 8.
