Product Offerings
Products:
Cacao Products: Tablea, Cacao Tea, 70% Dark Chocolate
Product Gallery:
Cacao Tea
85% Dark Chocolate (Hearts)
50% Milk Chocolates 30g (Bars)
60% Salted Caramel (Hearts)
Marinduque Harvest Inc., also known as Island Harvest Farm, is an integrated agribusiness and food enterprise based in Santa Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines. Operated by the Lecaroz family, the company is known for producing premium-quality cacao products, promoting sustainable agriculture, and operating a socially inclusive business model through its cooperative arm, Ani ng Duque.
Company Overview
Marinduque Harvest Inc. was established with a mission to revitalize the agricultural landscape of Marinduque by developing value-added products, creating sustainable income for local farmers, and offering eco-tourism experiences. Founded by sisters Donna Lecaroz and Lenlie Lecaroz, the enterprise has grown into a multi-service agribusiness that includes cacao processing, coconut and abaca production, and agritourism.
The company operates under the brands Island Harvest Farm and Ani ng Duque, each focused on sustainable farming and community-led processing of native agricultural products.
Core Products
Island Harvest Farm produces a variety of food and natural fiber products derived from indigenous resources in Marinduque:
1. Cacao-Based Products
- Tablea de Cacao (traditional Philippine chocolate discs)
- Cacao Tea (infused with cacao husk and herbs)
- 70% Dark Chocolate Bars (bean-to-bar artisan chocolate)
2. Coconut-Based Products
- Virgin Coconut Oil (cold-pressed)
- Coconut handicrafts and souvenir items
3. Abaca Products
- Abaca planting materials
- Dried fibers for export and weaving
4. Farmstay and Agritourism
- Accommodation at Island Harvest Farmstay
- Farm tours and cacao-making workshops
- Immersive rural life and eco-tourism packages
All products are handmade in small batches, using organic and locally sourced inputs. The company focuses on health-conscious, eco-friendly, and culturally inspired product design.
Unique Value Proposition
Marinduque Harvest Inc. delivers value through:
- Social Inclusion: Empowers rural women and farmers via its cooperative “Ani ng Duque”
- Cacao Revival: Champions heirloom cacao strains unique to Marinduque’s microclimate
- Sustainability: Employs circular farming practices and agroforestry
- Eco-Tourism Synergy: Blends agriculture and tourism for diversified revenue
Its farm-to-shelf cacao products, especially tablea and chocolate, are highly rated for their rich flavor and natural processing.
Production and Facilities
- Farm Area: Over 5 hectares of diversified crop production
- Processing Units: Includes fermentation, sun drying, roasting, and grinding for cacao
- Packaging Facility: Hand-labeled and vacuum-sealed artisanal packaging
- Tourist Accommodations: Rustic cottages and open kitchens for cooking demos
Production follows hygienic practices aligned with FDA guidelines, ensuring shelf stability and quality preservation.
Market and Distribution
Island Harvest products are marketed through:
- E-commerce Channels: Company website and third-party stores
- Trade Fairs and Farmer’s Markets: IFEX, OTOP Marinduque, local expos
- Retail Partners: Select eco-stores and provincial souvenir shops
- Agritourism Packages: Direct sales at the farmstay
Their customer base includes health-conscious consumers, tourists, and specialty stores that support ethical sourcing and local stories.
Compliance and Certification
- Registered Business: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- FDA Application Ongoing for food processing facility
- Barangay and Provincial Business Permits
- DTI and OTOP Certified Enterprise
- CacaoPhil and PhilMech Partner in cacao development programs
Social and Community Impact
- 40+ cooperative members under Ani ng Duque
- Training and Skills Development: Offers livelihood training in cacao and abaca
- Women Empowerment: 75% of production staff are local women
- Sustainable Livelihood: Creates market access for marginalized farmers
Their inclusive approach has earned them recognition as a model for community-based agribusiness in the MIMAROPA region.
Major Achievements
- Brand Development for Marinduque’s heirloom cacao
- Hosted eco-farm tours for 1,000+ visitors annually
- Expanded from raw farming to finished product exports
- Featured in regional tourism and DTI entrepreneurial showcases
- Recognized by Marinduque LGUs for community enterprise excellence
Marinduque Harvest Inc. exemplifies a modern, resilient agribusiness built on values of sustainability, social enterprise, and authentic Filipino heritage.