Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Midsalip Farmers Multi‑Purpose Cooperative (MIFAMCO), headquartered in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur, is a community-driven agricultural cooperative empowering farmers through inclusive agribusiness practices and value-added food production. With its roots in sustainable cacao farming, MIFAMCO has grown into a pivotal force in the regional agricultural and agri-processing sector of Mindanao.

Core Business and Product Portfolio

MIFAMCO is engaged in multiple sectors within the agricultural value chain, focusing on both food production and support services:

• Cacao-Based Food Products:

  • 70% Premium Dark Chocolate Bar
  • 62% Dark Chocolate Bar
  • 100% Tablea
  • 62% Chocolate in 800g Packs
  • Tablea available in 250g, 150g, and 40g sizes

• Agricultural Support Services:

  • Mechanical Drying
  • Corn Shelling
  • Tractor Harvesting
  • Steel Fabrication
  • Catering and Lodging Services

These diversified services not only generate income for the cooperative but also support over 1,000 local farmers by enhancing their production and post-harvest efficiency.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

MIFAMCO's strengths lie in:

• Farmer Empowerment: As a cooperative, profits are shared among members, enhancing community livelihood.
• High-Quality Cacao Products: Produced with local cacao beans and processed in-house, ensuring full traceability.
• Integrated Service Model: Offers both agri-products and post-harvest mechanization, supporting the full agricultural lifecycle.

The cooperative plays a critical role in the local supply chain, bridging smallholder production with national and regional markets.

Financial and Operational Strength

While exact revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, MIFAMCO is recognized by the Department of Agriculture and DTI as a model cooperative for value-adding and cacao processing in Zamboanga Peninsula. Key operational indicators include:

• Over 1,000 cooperative members
• 40+ hectares of cacao plantation coverage
• Operates its own cacao fermentation and drying facility, significantly enhancing the quality and flavor profile of its chocolate products

The cooperative also benefits from support through Kapatid Mentor ME and other enterprise development programs from government agencies and NGOs.

Shipment and Market Reach

MIFAMCO products are distributed through:

• Trade Fairs and Regional Exhibits: Such as the Philippine Travel Mart and DTI Go Lokal! stores.
• Institutional Partnerships: Supply agreements with local LGUs, schools, and NGOs.
• Retail & Reseller Channels: In key cities like Zamboanga, Pagadian, and Dipolog

Although no formal international exports have been recorded, the cooperative is preparing to meet export compliance standards for cacao products targeting niche international organic and fair-trade markets.

Target Market

MIFAMCO serves:

• Health-conscious and artisanal chocolate consumers
• Resellers and specialty chocolate stores
• Agro-enterprises and cooperatives in need of mechanization and agri-support services
• Government and private organizations sourcing local products for livelihood programs and CSR initiatives

Certifications and Compliance

MIFAMCO complies with:

• Philippine FDA food safety standards
• Local business permits and sanitation compliance
• Participates in training and technical support provided by DTI, DOST, and DA, moving toward certification in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

The cooperative is also pursuing organic cacao farming protocols to enhance export readiness.

Customer Testimonials

MIFAMCO’s tablea and dark chocolate bars have earned praise for:

• Authentic and rich cacao flavor
• Smooth texture resulting from proper fermentation and roasting
• Social impact—many buyers highlight their support for smallholder farmers through their purchase decisions

These products are often gifted by travelers and government officials as local pride products from Zamboanga del Sur.

Notable Achievements

• Featured in the 35th Philippine Travel Mart as a Zamboanga Peninsula cacao champion
• Recognized by DTI and DOST for innovation in value-adding and community impact
• Developed and managed a sustainable cacao processing facility, one of the few in Western Mindanao
• Successfully mobilized over 1,000 farmer-members, demonstrating cooperative sustainability and impact

MIFAMCO continues to transform agricultural development in Mindanao by fusing community cooperation, product excellence, and sustainability to build a resilient rural economy.