Entrepreneurship

In the dynamic world of gastronomy, I am pleased to announce with great enthusiasm the arrival of the third edition of the Creative Cooking Diploma 2023, a project that goes beyond teaching and becomes a catalyst for opportunities for Dominican youth. This program, born as a vision to empower young enthusiasts of gastronomy, has become a platform to discover and nurture local talent. By supporting this diploma, my goal is to provide these young individuals not only with advanced culinary skills, but also to open doors to a future where their creativity can shine on the world gastronomic stage. The initiative to send the most outstanding student to the prestigious Basque Culinary Center in Spain continues, offering a unique experience that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. This year, as in previous editions, we seek to highlight innovation, passion, and a commitment to excellence in the kitchen. I hope that this diploma serves as a springboard to new horizons, new connections, and, above all, to the flourishing of Dominican talent on the international stage. By continuing to support initiatives like this, we contribute not only to the individual development of participants but also to the enrichment of the rich Dominican culinary heritage. Welcome to the

Entrepreneurship

Tourism is a cornerstone of the Mexican economy, and one of the standout destinations in this industry is the stunning Riviera Maya. In this setting, Grupo Xcaret, a 100% Mexican company and a leader in sustainable tourism, has grown alongside this region for 30 years, developing a portfolio of seven natural parks: Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xavage, Xplor, and Xplor Fuego, along with three tours of archaeological sites and 900 rooms offered at the Hotel Xcaret México. Thanks to this, in 2019, it achieved a remarkable milestone, amassing four million visitors since its inception. In this regard, Xcaret's success is due to a combination of factors, with a focus on sustainability, excellence in customer service, and innovation being among the most prominent. The importance of sustainability: Grupo Xcaret has led the way in sustainability by blending entertainment offerings with environmental conservation. Its natural parks stand as a testament to this commitment, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Riviera Maya while becoming aware of the importance of protecting it. However, this commitment extends beyond nature preservation; it also encompasses the promotion of Mexico's rich culture. Every experience at a Xcaret park is infused with authenticity and national pride. Visitors can immerse

Entrepreneurship

The beverage industry, particularly the alcoholic beverages market, is maintaining steady growth, fueled by a range of factors influencing consumer preferences and emerging trends. In this context, I am pleased to examine why the beverage industry continues to thrive, taking into consideration some of the trends shaping the sector. The market for alcoholic beverages is astonishing in its magnitude. According to Statista data, revenues in the alcoholic beverages market reached an impressive figure of $1,609.00 billion in 2023, and it is projected to experience annual growth of 5.42% until 2027. An interesting highlight from the report is that the largest market segment is that of beer, representing a market volume of $610.00 billion in 2023. Consumer preferences play a pivotal role in this growth. According to data presented in the report, the demand for unique and premium alcoholic beverages is consistently rising globally, with consumers willing to invest more in high-quality products that offer distinctive flavors and experiences. This has led to an increase in the demand for craft beers and artisanal spirits, as well as limited-production wines, demonstrating that consumer palates' sophistication has also boosted the popularity of premium alcoholic beverages. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, in

Entrepreneurship

We live in a constantly evolving digital era where social media has transformed the way we communicate, consume content, and yes, even how we eat. Among these platforms, TikTok has stood out as a cultural phenomenon, especially among the younger generation. It's no surprise to announce that TikTok has become one of the most influential social networks. In just two years, it has become one of the social networks with the most active users and recorded a revenue of over $9 billion in 2022 alone. But beyond dance and entertainment videos, TikTok has proven to be fertile ground for exploring the world of food and beverages. According to data from News Room TikTok, 68% of TikTok users have discovered a food or beverage brand by seeing it on the platform, and 46% have purchased a food or beverage product after seeing it on TikTok. Furthermore, 72% of these purchases were unplanned. One of the most notable ways TikTok is affecting eating habits is through viral food trends. Videos featuring clever and delicious recipes can go viral in a matter of hours. The result? Users, mostly young people, feel the need to try these culinary creations for themselves. For example, the "TikTok bread" recipe,

Entrepreneurship

In the midst of the 21st century, the gastronomy industry remains a battleground where women strive to carve out their place in a world dominated by deeply rooted gender stereotypes. While women are often the queens of the kitchen in our homes, the most prestigious and visible positions in renowned restaurants are predominantly occupied by men. According to data from ONU Women (2020), less than 4% of chefs with three Michelin stars (the highest culinary distinction) are women. This imbalance is undeniable and reflects a reality that, despite social advancements, still persists. María Canabal, a journalist and founder of Parabere Forum, presented an even more revealing perspective at the 2017 Paralelo Norte forum: 93% of those who cook at home are women, 48% of culinary school graduates are women, and 39% of restaurant cooks are women, yet only 18% of women in the industry are chefs, that is, head chefs. This stark gap between women's presence in the kitchen and their representation in leadership positions highlights the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in this sector. Let's delve into some of the main challenges: - Gender wage gap: women often earn less than men for the same work. - Inequality in task distribution: women still

Entrepreneurship, Social Contribution

It is no secret that the issue of plastic has become one of the most pressing challenges for our planet today. The massive production and indiscriminate use of plastics have had a devastating impact on our ecosystems, threatening marine life, contaminating water, and affecting our health. However, amidst this concerning reality, there is a ray of hope. In the face of this challenge, many companies have decided to take bold measures to reduce their dependence on plastic and find sustainable alternatives to maintain their business success. Let's take a look at some of these pioneering companies and the solutions they are implementing to address this crisis. Patagonia: Towards a Circular Economy The renowned outdoor clothing brand, Patagonia, has long been a benchmark for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, their focus on a circular economy has been a cornerstone of their strategy to reduce plastic usage. They have implemented a clothing recycling program where customers can return used garments for reuse or recycling into new products. Additionally, the company has significantly reduced plastic packaging for their products and opted for recycled and biodegradable materials whenever possible. Undoubtedly, Patagonia's initiative not only promotes a significant reduction of plastic in their supply

Entrepreneurship

When it comes to seeking investment opportunities, the wine market has proven to be an increasingly attractive and profitable option. Over the years, this sector has gained recognition as a solid investment supported by compelling data and statistics. On this occasion, I am pleased to share with you some of the most important aspects of how the wine market has demonstrated its long-term profitability as an investment. As we delve into each of these key points, it will become clear why wine has become a legitimate and exciting option for those looking to expand their investment horizons. Consistent Returns Investing in wines has shown consistent returns compared to other assets over time. According to the Liv-ex 1000 index, which tracks the performance of the top 1,000 sought-after labels, the wine market has experienced an average annual growth of 13.6% over the past 10 years. These results demonstrate the ability of high-quality wines to generate attractive long-term profits. Increase in Global Demand The demand for quality wines has experienced a significant increase in recent years, especially in emerging markets such as China. According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), global wine consumption grew by 3% in 2022, reaching 245 million hectoliters. This demand

Entrepreneurship

In a world full of social and environmental challenges, there is a special group of brave and visionary individuals who are changing the business game. These are the social entrepreneurs, passionate people who use their leadership skills to tackle urgent issues and generate a positive impact on society. Their inspiring stories invite us to dream big and show us that it is possible to combine business with a higher purpose. Join me as I share some of these stories, which, regardless of the passage of time, are among the best ones in my opinion. D.Light In 2007, Sam Goldman and Ned Tozun founded d.light with a clear goal in mind: to provide accessible and sustainable energy to electricity-deprived communities worldwide. Through the manufacturing and distribution of affordable solar lamps, they have illuminated the homes of millions of people, reducing dependence on dangerous and costly lighting sources like kerosene lamps. Thanks to the work of d.light, the quality of life has improved in numerous communities across more than 60 countries. Grameen Bank Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, founded Grameen Bank in Bangladesh with the aim of combating poverty through the provision of microcredit. Yunus' innovative approach has enabled low-income individuals to access financing for

Entrepreneurship

In a world that is increasingly aware of the environmental and social challenges we face, sustainable entrepreneurship has taken on an indisputable role. As awareness of climate change and the economic and social inequality we face grows, entrepreneurs of all stripes are working hard to create innovative solutions to address these issues. In this article, we'll explore some current initiatives in sustainable entrepreneurship, highlighting recent projects that are making a positive impact and paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future. • The Ocean Cleanup: It is one of the most inspiring initiatives in the field of sustainable entrepreneurship. Led by Boyan Slat, this project has set itself the bold goal of removing plastic debris from the oceans through innovative technology such as floating booms and buoys, through a system that effectively captures and removes plastic debris. in our seas. • Ecoalf: This Spanish company is a clear example of how sustainability can transform the fashion industry. Ecoalf is dedicated to the manufacture of fashion products using recycled materials, such as plastic bottles and fishing nets. Its approach is based on the circular economy, where products are designed to be recyclable and durable. • Sistema B: It is an organization that aims to

Entrepreneurship

Have you ever wondered how to promote creativity and entrepreneurship in a sector that can transform the reality of a region? The answer lies in the fascinating and promising orange economy, a concept that is revolutionizing the way we see and approach economic and social development. But what exactly is the orange economy or creative economy? It is the set of economic activities based on creativity, culture and knowledge. Creativity and entrepreneurship are fundamental pillars of the orange economy and play a vital role in the development of communities. This time, I would like to present some examples of innovative projects so that you can be inspired, harness talent and transform it into a source of economic, social and cultural development. Pietà Project (Peru): It is a high-quality ecological urban clothing project, which is made by men and women from prisons in Lima. Prisoners who are part of this project can receive a reduction in their sentence and a percentage for the sales of the brand. Trash to Art (Brazil): This project transforms recyclable materials into works of art and unique products. Citizens collect and recycle materials such as plastic, glass, and paper to create sculptures, jewelry, and other art objects that are later