Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

The Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center, located in Cauayan City, Isabela, operates under the umbrella of Isabela State University (ISU) as a flagship research and development (R&D) facility dedicated to advancing cacao production, processing, and innovation in the Cagayan Valley Region. Through this center, ISU aims to contribute to rural development, sustainable agriculture, and agro-industrial integration across Northern Luzon.

Core Business

Functioning as an academic research and extension center, the Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center (CVCDC) focuses on end-to-end development in the cacao value chain, from genetics and crop management to post-harvest processing and value-added product creation. The center is positioned as a national knowledge and innovation hub for cacao-related technologies and agri-preneurship models.

Product and Service Offerings

Although not a commercial enterprise, the CVCDC provides extensive research, development, and technology transfer services including:

• Cacao-Based Product Development:

  • Artisanal Tablea
  • Premium Dark Chocolate Bars
  • Caramelized Cacao Nibs
  • Polvoron de Cacao (Chocolate-Infused Shortbread)
  • Natural Cocoa Vinegar (from cacao mucilage)
  • Cacao-Pod Husk Powder (for nutraceutical and culinary applications)

• Agri-Based R&D Services:

  • Clonal propagation of high-yield cacao varieties
  • Fermentation and drying process optimization
  • Soil and microclimate analytics
  • Sustainable intercropping systems with cacao

• Capacity Building & Technical Training:

  • Farmer training and certification
  • Processing equipment demos
  • Value-chain literacy and agri-entrepreneurship seminars

These programs are aimed at uplifting cacao farmers and MSMEs by enhancing productivity, quality, and market competitiveness.

Specialization and Core USP

The CVCDC's unique strengths include:

• Integration within ISU’s academic and scientific ecosystem, allowing access to faculty experts, students, and advanced laboratory facilities.
• Focus on sustainable cacao agribusiness models tailored for Philippine climate and smallholder needs.
• Development of locally branded products like “Sikulati” tablea and chocolates, reflecting cultural identity and terroir.
• FDA-licensed production facilities supporting compliance for future commercialization.

Their innovations leverage research-backed methods to increase value addition from farm to product.

Financials

As a university-supported center, CVCDC receives funding from:

• Philippine government agencies such as DA-BAR, DOST-PCAARRD, and CHED.
• International donor organizations via research grant mechanisms.
• In-kind support and technology sharing from private cacao cooperatives and startups.

Budget allocations support research, equipment procurement, outreach, and small-scale production trials.

Shipment Data

While not structured for mass commercial export, CVCDC plays a foundational role in:

• Enabling regional cacao processors to develop export-ready products.
• Supporting traceability and farm-to-market data systems for cacao quality compliance.
• Trial shipments of Sikulati-based products to local and international exhibitions (e.g., IFEX Philippines, DTI Roadshows).

The center functions as a launchpad for export-oriented cacao initiatives in the region.

Target Market

The CVCDC indirectly serves:

• Smallholder cacao farmers and agri-entrepreneurs
• Local and regional food processors
• Researchers and agricultural engineers
• Government extension units and private agri-firms
• Students and innovators in agri-tech fields

Its impact spans both academic and community sectors across Cagayan Valley and beyond.

Capabilities

• End-to-end cacao processing laboratory with fermenters, dryers, roasters, grinders, and molders.
• Training spaces, demo farms, and climate-resilient cacao variety trials.
• ISO-aligned R&D protocols and university-backed quality control.
• Collaborative linkages with national research agencies and NGOs.

These infrastructure and knowledge systems enable effective scale-up of cacao innovations.

Certifications and Compliance

• FDA-approved processing unit for Tablea and Chocolate under “Sikulati” label.
• Standard Operating Procedures aligned with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety.
• Academic validation and research ethics compliance under ISU’s Research and Development Office.

Such standards ensure replicability and public trust in its R&D outputs.

Customer Testimonials

Although academic in nature, partner testimonies and media highlights note:

• “CVCDC taught us fermentation techniques that raised our cocoa quality for premium markets.”
• “We replicated their chocolate bar processing and earned new buyers in Metro Manila.”
• “Their training bridged science and entrepreneurship for our cooperative.”

These reflect the center’s transformative effect on cacao capacity in the region.

Major Achievements

• Developed FDA-licensed Tablea and Chocolate prototypes marketed as “Sikulati.”
• Established a cacao gene bank and propagation nursery for disease-resistant cultivars.
• Recognized by DA and DOST-PCAARRD for cacao productivity and sustainability programs.
• Trained over 700 farmers and entrepreneurs in cacao production and postharvest systems since 2019.
• Created multi-product value chains using byproducts like cacao husk and mucilage, aligning with circular economy principles.

The Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center continues to enhance regional agro-industrial ecosystems, promoting inclusive cacao innovation anchored in science, sustainability, and cultural value.