Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Astarie Food Products Manufacturing, based in Valencia, Negros Oriental, Philippines, is a small-scale artisanal chocolate manufacturer that specializes in producing single-origin, bean-to-bar dark chocolate under its premium brand NicoCacao. The company is dedicated to sustainable sourcing, ethical manufacturing practices, and the celebration of Filipino cacao heritage through its handcrafted chocolate products.

Brief History

Astarie Food Products was established with the goal of reviving and promoting the rich cacao-growing traditions of Negros Island. While the company operates under limited-scale production, its impact within the artisanal and specialty chocolate market has been significant, owing to the purity and authenticity of its products. NicoCacao, the company’s flagship brand, emphasizes traceability, simplicity, and high cacao content with no added preservatives or dairy.

Core Business

Astarie’s business centers around the processing and manufacture of fine-quality cacao into finished chocolate products. By managing direct relationships with local farmers and overseeing post-harvest processes, the company ensures that its raw ingredients meet artisanal and international standards for craft chocolate.

Product and Service Offerings

The main product line includes:

• 100% Dark Chocolate Bars:
  • Made from single-origin cacao beans sourced from Negros Island
  • No additives, dairy, or sweeteners
  • Stone-ground and slow-conched for optimal texture and flavor retention
  • Available in small batch bars for specialty and export markets

The company also engages in:

• Custom small-batch production for events, local retailers, and corporate gifts
• Educational campaigns to promote local cacao use and sustainable farming

Specialisation and Core USP

Astarie Food Products differentiates itself through:

• Exclusive focus on bean-to-bar craft chocolate
• Use of 100% locally grown cacao, with transparent sourcing from Negros farmers
• Emphasis on minimally processed, high-cacao content products
• Operating under a sustainability-driven model supporting local agriculture

The NicoCacao brand appeals to consumers seeking authentic, vegan-friendly, and ethically made chocolate products.

Financials

As a micro-enterprise in the Philippines, Astarie Food Products operates within a low-volume, high-value model. The business is not publicly listed and does not disclose revenue figures. However, its consistent presence in cacao events and recognition in niche chocolate circles suggest steady micro-enterprise viability supported by direct-to-consumer and retail partnerships.

Shipment Data

There is no confirmed large-scale international shipment data for Astarie. The company operates primarily within the domestic market but shows potential for export readiness due to:

• Product packaging suitable for shelf stability
• Compliance with basic food safety and product labeling practices
• Online visibility through dedicated channels like YouTube and Carrd-hosted websites

Target Market

Astarie Food Products targets:

• Health-conscious and vegan consumers
• Bean-to-bar chocolate enthusiasts
• Specialty retail stores and eco-boutiques
• Local consumers looking for regionally authentic chocolate

Capabilities

• Cacao fermentation and drying partnerships with local farmers
• Stone-grinding and traditional chocolate making equipment
• Hand-wrapping and boutique-level packaging
• Educational and advocacy initiatives to promote cacao consumption

Certifications and Compliance

There is no publicly available data on third-party certifications such as FDA, Organic, or Halal. However, products are positioned as natural and chemical-free, with small-batch production ensuring quality control. Future certification may support growth in export or institutional channels.

Customer Testimonials

Feedback from consumers and chocolate lovers highlights:

• The deep, earthy flavor profile of 100% dark chocolate
• Appreciation for supporting local agriculture
• Recognition of the brand’s ethical and minimalist approach

YouTube videos and social media presence contribute to building community and trust among loyal customers.

Major Achievements

• Launch of NicoCacao brand representing Negros Island cacao
• Gained traction in the Philippine artisan chocolate movement
• Promoted local cacao through workshops and social media education
• Sustained operations as a micro-enterprise promoting Filipino cacao culture

Astarie Food Products Manufacturing continues to elevate local chocolate craftsmanship, offering a sustainable and transparent alternative to mass-produced confectionery through its NicoCacao line of single-origin dark chocolate.