This piece presents research findings on cocuy in Venezuela, highlighting its historical significance and cultural richness. It proposes a socio-economic reorganization centered around cocuy, aiming to create new economic opportunities for the industry and the country. Despite being marginalized in the past due to political agendas, cocuy has gained popularity and interest among younger generations, representing decades of Venezuelan history.
The project suggests rebuilding the relationship between cocuyeros (cocuy producers) and the rest of the country, ensuring equitable remuneration for the communities involved in planting, harvesting, fermentation, and distillation. A self-governed lab will be established, fostering collaboration and empowering vulnerable communities.
This lab will focus on improving efficiency in the cocuy production process and utilizing waste effectively. Financing for the lab will be provided entirely by "Lacasa," a new cocuy brand aiming to penetrate the Venezuelan market, particularly in the capital city. By emphasizing shared value, Lacasa aims to link its success to societal improvement and dispel misconceptions about cocuy among caraqueños (residents of Caracas). In summary, this piece explores a promising economic opportunity for both the country and the cocuyeros' community, seeking to reconcile two contrasting realities rooted in love for Venezuela and its identity.