Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Bonatrade Inc., operating under the brand Alea Chocolates, is a premier Philippine chocolate company based in Albay. Combining artisanal production with inclusive business practices, Alea Chocolates has established itself as a leader in fine-flavor cacao processing and export from the Bicol Region.

Company History

Founded by Eileen Kae Relao, Bonatrade Inc. began its journey with a mission to empower cacao farmers and uplift the Philippine chocolate industry. From its early operations in Oas and Legazpi City, the company has grown into a recognized name in bean-to-bar chocolate craftsmanship. Leveraging local cacao heritage and direct farmer engagement, the brand Alea Chocolates has become synonymous with both quality and impact.

Core Business

Bonatrade Inc.’s primary business activities include:

• Manufacturing and retail of artisanal chocolate products
• Direct export of fine-flavor cacao derivatives
• Operation of a café and mobile bar concept
• Sustainable sourcing from Bicol-based cacao cooperatives

The company works closely with cacao growers across Albay to ensure fair trade pricing and quality bean fermentation protocols.

Product and Service Offerings

• Chocolate and Cacao Products:

  • 80% Dark Chocolate Bars
  • Stone-ground Cacao Powder
  • Roasted Cacao Nibs
  • Arabica Dark Roast Coffee

• Café and Retail Services:

  • Alea Mobile Café Bar (event-based and portable setup)
  • Café Counter at SM City Legazpi

All products highlight heirloom cacao grown in volcanic soil and processed with low-impact, traditional stone-ground methods for optimal flavor retention.

Specialization and Core USP

Alea Chocolates specializes in stone-ground processing of high-quality Philippine cacao, preserving the bean's flavor complexity and nutritional profile. Their single-origin chocolate bars are made without artificial preservatives, catering to health-conscious, ethically minded consumers. Additionally, Alea is one of the few regional brands to combine artisanal techniques with social enterprise values, integrating sustainability at every stage from farm to shelf.

Financials

While Bonatrade Inc. does not publish detailed financials, it is listed in multiple government-supported platforms such as IFEXConnect and has received grants for MSME development. Revenue streams come from domestic retail, online sales, café operations, and direct international export of cacao nibs and powder.

Shipment and Export Activity

Bonatrade is an emerging exporter of Bicolano cacao, supplying:

• Roasted cacao nibs
• Cacao powder
• Finished dark chocolate bars

Export destinations include:

• United States (Filipino specialty stores and eco-chocolate retailers)
• Japan (sustainable bean-to-bar distributors)
• Select Southeast Asian markets

Packaging adheres to international standards, and shipment volumes are based on both bulk and branded retail formats.

Target Market

• Ethical and organic chocolate consumers
• Filipino diaspora seeking premium local products
• Eco-conscious specialty food retailers
• Café operators and institutional gift buyers

Alea also appeals to tourists and locals through its café and SM Legazpi retail presence.

Capabilities

• Bean-to-bar chocolate production facility in Albay
• Direct sourcing from certified cacao cooperatives
• Stone-grinding technology for cacao mass refinement
• Mobile café unit for experiential marketing
• Retail packaging and white-label partnerships

Certifications and Compliance

• Philippine FDA-compliant product processing and labeling
• Participates in Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MSME programs
• Listed exhibitor in IFEXConnect, indicating export readiness and regulatory clearance

Customer Testimonials

Customer reviews highlight Alea’s balance of ethical sourcing, deep flavor, and attractive packaging. One review reads: “The 80% dark bar is a masterpiece—bold, smooth, and guilt-free knowing it supports farmers.”

Major Achievements

• Successfully established SM Legazpi café counter with high local footfall
• Exported Bicol cacao nibs and powder to eco-luxury markets in Asia and North America
• Recognized in DTI and local trade expos for excellence in chocolate craftsmanship
• Partnered with Bicol farmers for sustainable cacao sourcing under fair trade terms

Bonatrade Inc., through Alea Chocolates, continues to elevate Philippine cacao into a global standard for ethical and artisanal excellence, while promoting rural development and innovation from the heart of Albay.