Product Offerings
Products:
Chocolate Bars: Milk chocolate, dark chocolate (60%, 70%), craft chocolate with chili, coffee-mixed
The Cacao Growers and Marketing Cooperative is a community-based agricultural cooperative located in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, Philippines. Dedicated to the cultivation, processing, and marketing of cacao and chocolate products, the cooperative champions inclusive growth and local value addition in the Philippine cacao industry. With its strong emphasis on sustainability, local empowerment, and craft production, the cooperative has become a vital force in the region’s agro-industrial development.
Company Background
Founded and led by Rosario Chua, the Cacao Growers and Marketing Cooperative was established to provide smallholder cacao farmers with an organized platform for collective production, shared processing infrastructure, and cooperative marketing. The cooperative represents a network of growers in Pangasinan and neighboring provinces, pooling resources and expertise to deliver quality cacao products to local and regional markets.
Core Business Activities
The cooperative’s operations include:
- Cultivation of high-grade cacao from member farms using sustainable methods.
- Processing of cacao beans into tablea and chocolate bars.
- Direct-to-consumer marketing through fairs, retail partnerships, and social media.
- Capacity building and training for farmer-members in post-harvest techniques and entrepreneurship.
Product Portfolio
Cacao Tablea
- Pure ground cacao tablets used in traditional Filipino hot chocolate.
- 100% unsweetened cacao, pressed and molded locally.
Chocolate Bars
- Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate: Offered in 60% and 70% cacao content.
- Specialty Flavors: Chocolate bars infused with chili, coffee, and regional fruit and nut inclusions.
Mixed Nuts and Fruits Chocolate
- Premium chocolates blended with locally sourced peanuts, cashews, dried mango, and banana chips for added texture and flavor.
Unique Selling Proposition
The cooperative is distinguished by:
- Farm-to-bar model that controls quality from planting to packaging.
- All-natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives.
- Cultural authenticity, using traditional Filipino recipes like tablea.
- Inclusive participation of women and elder farmers in cooperative leadership and processing activities.
Market Reach and Distribution
- Distributed through provincial trade fairs, DTI-backed expos, and school or institutional fundraisers.
- Available at local markets and select retail outlets in Pangasinan and Metro Manila.
- Gaining visibility through Facebook-driven direct sales and community promotions.
Production Capacity and Capabilities
- Small-batch production facilities for chocolate molding and packaging.
- Manual and semi-mechanized grinding and tempering equipment.
- Ability to produce and customize packaging for private labels and gifting.
- Plans underway to expand capacity with support from government and NGO partners.
Compliance and Development Support
- Registered as an MSME cooperative with legal operating licenses.
- Supported by DTI and DA regional offices for training and marketing assistance.
- Exploring eligibility for organic certification and FDA registration for broader market penetration.
Community and Social Impact
- Provides alternative income streams for rural families through cacao farming.
- Conducts training sessions in best agricultural practices and agro-entrepreneurship.
- Supports gender inclusion, with a majority-female team in processing and admin roles.
Recognition and Feedback
- Praised by local authorities for empowering grassroots cacao farmers.
- Products highlighted at regional events such as DTI MSME Week and Agri-Trade Fairs.
- Customer reviews often note the authenticity and robust flavor of the tablea and chocolate.
Strategic Developments
- Developing eco-friendly packaging using recyclable materials.
- Planning to launch a school nutrition and chocolate education campaign.
- Seeking partnerships for export-grade tablea and chocolate bar processing.
The Cacao Growers and Marketing Cooperative embodies the spirit of local innovation and community-driven enterprise. By focusing on quality, sustainability, and inclusive development, it is helping transform Pangasinan into a rising player in the Philippine chocolate landscape.