Alto Peak Agriventures Corporation is a premium chocolate manufacturer based in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines. Established with a mission to champion Philippine cacao and elevate local craftsmanship, the company produces bean-to-bar artisanal chocolates using heirloom cacao varieties sourced from the highlands surrounding Mt. Alto Peak, the highest peak in Eastern Visayas. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture and refined processing has positioned Alto Peak as a rising brand in the Philippine fine chocolate industry.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Alto Peak Agriventures focuses on the integrated development of cacao—from farm cultivation to artisanal chocolate production. Their main products include:
- Premium Quick-Melt Tablea
- Traditional Filipino cacao disks made for hot chocolate beverages
- Dark Chocolate Bars
- Single-origin, high-cacao content, stone-ground bars
- Milk Chocolate Bars
- Crafted with Philippine milk and local cacao beans
- Chocolate Bonbons and Gift Boxes
- Handcrafted chocolate assortments with native flavors and fillings
The company emphasizes the use of natural ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, and often features local ingredients to highlight regional identity.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Alto Peak Agriventures distinguishes itself in the local cacao space through:
- Heirloom-quality cacao beans sourced directly from smallholder farms in Leyte
- Integrated processing model, from bean selection and fermentation to chocolate molding
- Premium handcrafted tablea, targeting both gourmet and traditional markets
- Sustainability and Fair Trade practices, supporting cacao farmers with above-market prices and agricultural training
Their location near Mt. Alto Peak allows them to access highland-grown cacao known for its superior flavor profile and fermentation potential.
Financial and Operational Overview
Though Alto Peak operates as a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), it has gained traction through direct-to-consumer sales, online platforms, and trade shows:
- Production Capacity: Estimated 5,000–10,000 units/month across bars and tablea
- Distribution: Website e-commerce, pop-up stores, provincial trade events, and direct orders via Facebook
- Ownership and Management: Led by Noel Barquera, with expertise in cacao post-harvest processing and enterprise development
Their operational footprint includes processing hubs and packing facilities located in Ormoc, Leyte.
Export and Shipment Records
Alto Peak is export-ready and in the early stages of global market expansion:
- FDA-registered manufacturing operations
- Participation in national cacao expos and international virtual trade fairs
- Currently exploring export partnerships with OFW communities and niche cacao distributors
While full-scale export logistics are still scaling, their online platform supports domestic delivery nationwide.
Target Market
Alto Peak targets both domestic and emerging global markets:
- Premium chocolate buyers
- Specialty cacao enthusiasts and food tourists
- OFWs and gift-giving consumers
- Café and dessert shops sourcing bean-to-bar products
Their packaging and product quality are aligned with boutique retail, high-end delicacy, and ethical chocolate shelves.
Capabilities
Alto Peak Agriventures has built foundational strengths in:
- Small-batch cacao fermentation and drying
- Stone grinding and chocolate tempering
- Brand development and digital sales
- Farmer training and agro-enterprise collaboration
Their capacity allows for customization of flavor profiles and packaging, including private label services for boutique outlets.
Certifications and Compliance
- FDA Registered Manufacturer
- Local DTI Accreditation
- Adherence to GMP-aligned procedures
They also actively participate in programs led by the Department of Agriculture and DOST on cacao improvement and food safety.
Customer Testimonials
User reviews on social platforms and repeat orders highlight:
- “One of the smoothest and most flavorful tableas I’ve tried”
- “The bonbons make amazing gifts—both beautiful and indulgent”
- “Feels good to support a brand helping Leyte farmers”
Customer satisfaction centers on flavor depth, ethical sourcing, and product uniqueness.
Major Achievements
- Brand feature in regional food expos and government cacao initiatives
- Launched e-commerce-ready website for nationwide chocolate access
- Built long-term farmer relationships across Leyte cacao communities
- Expanded from traditional tablea to high-value chocolate gift boxes
Alto Peak Agriventures Corporation exemplifies the next generation of Filipino cacao innovators—blending local heritage with global quality standards in every chocolate creation.