Special Issue

Cacao Watch
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE CACAO INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION OF MINDANAO (CIDAMI)

Indonesias cocoa gap: Philippines gain?

uilding on the principle of knowledge sharing and international cooperation, the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao, Inc. (CIDAMi) in partnership with ACDI/ VOCA and funding support from USDA initiated a study tour in Sulawesi, Indonesia last March 31-April 7, 2013. This activity aims to learn the best practices and experiences of the Indonesian cacao value chain players and replicate these in the Philippine setting.

farming and understand the roles played by each sector in the value chain. Indonesia is currently the third largest cacao producing country in the world. Almost 65% of Indonesias cacao is grown in the island of Sulawesi. Representatives from private cacao farms, nursery operators, officials from the local government units of Davao City and Davao Oriental, Federation of Cooperatives (FEDCO) officers and Department of Trade and Industry XI composed the delegation. Cocoa farming is the principal income earner for South Sulawesi with over 1.7 million total area planted

with different cacao varieties. Majority of Indonesias average annual production of 800,000 metric tons come from small holder farms. According to the Indonesian Cocoa Board (ICB), their cocoa export in 2012 reached close to 440,000MT valued at USD 1.4 Billion. This makes cacao their third biggest revenue earner after palm oil and rubber. It was in 1778 when cacao production began in Indonesia. The Dutch brought cacao from the Philippines to Jakarta and Sumatra where they established a propagation facility that led to the major production in the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia and Malaysia. This unfamiliar piece of history along with the many similarities in topography and climate conditions between the Philippines and Indonesia prompted the organizers to proceed with the study tour. The global demand for cacao beans and its byproducts has been steadily increasing over the past years. On the other hand, the world supply has been experiencing a
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Twenty stakeholders from the Mindanao cacao industry took part in the one-week study tour to learn from the experiences and best practices on cacao

The participants during their visit to one of the model farms visited in Luwu Timur, Sulawesi. Farms like these were among the highlights of the study tour.

Nobody can do it alone

The Indonesian Cocoa Industry dossier

he cocoa industry in Indonesia has experienced phenomenal growth over the past few decades, but its continued competitiveness is threatened by inconsistent and poor quality production.

global market as an unfermented, fat, bulk bean. Processors and manufacturers use Sulawesi bean as filler, due to its sufficient fat content and lower cost, and blend it with other fermented beans mostly from Africa and Latin America that add flavour. Global demand for these With over 475,000 metric tons pro- unfermented bulk beans has beduction forecast of cocoa beans by come relatively resilient and is not the end of 2013, Indonesia is the most significant cocoa bean supplier in East Asia. In addition to raw cocoa beans, Indonesia also produces and exports a small volume of processed cocoa products including powder, paste/ liquor, cake and butter. Indonesias biggest competitive advantages include its low cost, high production capacity (availability of The heart of chocolate: Smallholder farmers supply), efficient like these individuals in Sulawesi remain to be infrastructure and the core of the global cocoa industry. o pe n t r ading/ marketing system (business environ- significantly afby ment). As the largest producer of f e c t e d unfermented bulk beans, Indonesia changes in price. currently occupies a strong position PRODUCTION with few competitors in this segment There are apof the global market. proximately The United States imports over 500,000 small136,000 MT of Indonesian cocoa holder farmers in and is one of the most important Sulawesi producmarket for cocoa beans from Indo- ing bulk, unfermented cocoa beans. nesia. (The U.S. is the second largest Average yield on these farms buyer of cocoa beans in the world.) ranges from 400 to 800 kilograms Other major buyers of Indonesian per hectare. Farmers sell to local cocoa beans include China, Malaysia collectors at farm gate or directly and Brazil. U.S. chocolate manufac- to local traders. There are few exturers are the largest international amples of cooperative-type horibuyers of processed cocoa products zontal linkages or group marketing from Sulawesi, purchasing about 40 among smallholder farmers in Supercent of total cocoa butter ex- lawesi; most smallholder farmers ports, followed by European and prefer to deal independently with Southeast Asian buyers (US Agency private collectors and traders. Durfor International Development). ing the study tour, the group found Sulawesi cocoa is traded on the out that local traders allow cash Cacao Watch Special Issue

advances to regular clients. Local collectors are usually cocoa farmers themselves or rural entrepreneurs who purchase cocoa beans directly from farmers. The scale of these purchases is small and turnover is fast. Local traders purchase cocoa beans from local collectors or, to a lesser extent, directly from farmers, and are usually engaged in a variety of other businesses (e.g., ge ner al mer chants, vehicle hire, etc.). These traders sell most of their cocoa beans to local exporters although a smaller amount flows to local processors. This trading scheme does not require permits so competition is stiff according to the traders interviewed by the study tour participants. PROCESSING Cocoa processing, or grinding, entails the transformation of dried cocoa beans into a variety of processed products including cocoa paste or liquor, cake, powder and butter. Processors have strict quality standards and expect their suppliers to meet these standards. Only 10 percent of Sulawesi cocoa bean production is processed locally, the rest is exported as raw beans. In Sulawesi, one of the largest processors is Mars International. PT Mars sells processed cocoa products to other Mars manufacturing plants in the U.S., Brazil and other parts of Southeast Asia.
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value chain is a sequence of steps involved in the process of production to market delivery of a product. The value chain methodology involves the coordination of all activities involved in the production of a good or service. The cocoa value chain is long. It passes through a complex trading network comprising a large number of intermediaries like collectors, traders, exporters, processors and manufacturers, before it reaches us consumer as the chocolates we love. To understand the various steps in the value chain will enlighten us consumers on the value and hard work that goes into turning the cacao bean into a chocolate bar. GROWERS More than 90% of the global cocoa production comes from about 3 million small holder farms (farms which are around 2-3 hectares). Cocoa is a delicate and sensitive crop, and farmers must protect trees from the wind and sun. They must also fertilize the soil, regularly prune and watch for signs of distress including attack from pests and disease. With careful care, most cocoa trees begin to yield pods at peak production levels by the fifth year, which can continue for another 10-20 years. However, some of the new clonal varieties can begin bearing fruits as early as 18 months. Ripe pods may be found on cocoa trees at any time, however, most countries have 2 periods of time per year of peak production. A farmer can expect 20-50 beans per pod, depending on the variety. Once the beans are removed from the pods, the farmer lays them on racks to be solar-dried which takes about 4-5 days. Other farmers especially in Africa and Latin America take it a notch higher by packing wet beans into boxes or heap them into piles. Covering the piles with mats or banana leaves heats the Cacao Watch Special Issue

Understanding the Cocoa Value Chain

beans causes the beans to ferment. Fermentation is an important step, lasting three to seven days, that produces the chocolate flavor we know when the beans are roasted. The beans are then dried, which in the sun, usually takes several days. beans, and the rest (34%) is locally processed. Before cocoa can be made into chocolate, it goes through several steps of processing. Cocoa processing includes converting the beans into nibs, cocoa liquor, butter, cake and powder.

BUYERS, CONS OLI DATORS , The cocoa liqueur is sold to chocoTRADERS and EXPORTERS late manufacturers because this conAfter the tains the chocolate flavor; the rest is beans are pressed to extract cocoa butter and dried, the cocoa powder. Cocoa butter is used farmer sells in combination with other ingredients to a buying to make chocolate. It can also be station or used in soaps and cosmetic products. local agent. What is most common Cocoa powder is used on a largein the Philippine setting is for farm- scale by food industries for the proers to sell their beans to local trad- duction of drinks, desserts, ice ers. The trader pays the farmer in creams, spreads, sauces, cakes and cash, for the most part without any biscuits. The by-products of the coinformation on international market coa beans the husks and shells prices or any written record of the are used as organic mulch, soil consale. Some of the international ditioners and poultry feed. traders like Armajaro and Olam set up buying stations in cocoaproducing communities so the prices are a little higher for good quality beans. Another way of buying is to have a third-party consolidator who will gather the beans from different farmers then sell it to the international traders. This is often done for single origin cacao beans, similar to that in Davao Region. Once the required volume is reached, the buyer/consolidator then transports the sacks to an exporting company who inspects the beans and places them into burlap, sisal or plastic bags. Once cocoa processing is done, the liqueur, butter, cake and powder are then shipped to the different confectioners and manufacturers around the world. CONFECTIONERS and MANUFACTURERS

To make chocolate, cocoa liquor is mixed with cocoa butter, milk and sugar. After the mixing process, the blend is further refined and then placed into large agitators that stir and smooth the mixture under heat. The popular chocolate manufacturers such as Cadbury, Ferrero, Hershey, Kraft, Mars and Nestl have Sometimes the beans are stored in their own secret recipes for their the large trucks that transport them famous brands and dominate the to the ports. The journey from vil- chocolate confectionary market. lage to city to domestic port can The current and rising movement in vary from one day to several days. product quality and traceability Depending on the circumstances, have attracted large companies and exporters dry the cocoa beans the retail sector. As cocoa producfurther using artificial dryers. The tion standards and certification beexporter collects and then sends the come more widespread, companies cacao beans to its local and inter- are searching for ways to stand out national clients. from the competition. This is the reaPROCESSORS Two-thirds (66%) of the cocoa bean production in the world, is exported as raw son why some of the giants in the cocoa value chain are pouring resources through their various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to help assure sustainability and quality of the industry. Page 3

Quality seedlings: Foundations of good crop production

Engr. Angel P. Puentespina joined the Sulawesi Cacao study tour upon the invitation to have representations from all sectors of the cacao growing industry. Although the company I manage is mainly involved in the cut flower and plant business, our nursery facility also produces cacao seedlings. I joined the tour as a nursery operator.

The trained cocoa doctors based in the CVC also play a significant role in the extension services to farmers. They teach farming concepts, proper agronomic activities as well as key practices to increase production and manage pest and disease concerns and not limited to chemical control. Among them are the intercrop system, organic fertilizers, compost The study tour had a full schedule, mulching, good housekeeping, pod but interesting since it covered all plastic sleeving and post harvest aspects of cacao growing and pro- practices . duction. The delegates were assigned committees and tasks. We were also grouped according to sectors we represent. I was assigned in the nursery and production sector. Our concerns were about their nursery operations and to determine how extensive is the application of good agricultural practices (GAP) among Sulawesi farmers. We also wanted to know how the farmers are addressing challenges in pest and disease management. At the core of the Indonesian cacao industry are small holder farms of 1 to 2 hectares in size, of which 59% are in Sulawesi. Despite this huge number at the farmer level alone, they managed to collaborate where the role of each value chain player is defined. Even if each has its own business targets and interest, they are able to pool their resources and expertise and focus on concerns and areas that need the most attention. The presence of good governance, extension and organization can be observed. The application of GAP by farmers has become extensive especially with the practice of certification of their farms in partnership with processors and international traders. The set up of cacao village centers or CVC, as pioneered by Mars International, provided model farms that achieved significant increase in production of up to 300%. However, pest & diseases continue to be the biggest problem of the farmers especially during wet season. The primary means of control are through chemical applications (pesticides and fungicides).

Engr. Puentespina at the MCDC nursery in Tarengge, Sulawesi

I have personally observed the growth and development of cacao trees using good quality seedlings and appreciated their superior advantage. Way back in 2008, my family considered the proposal to provide an area for Mars Cacao Development Center to locate a cacao germplasm or mother plant grove. I had to make a cost and Only the good: Healthy cacao seedlings produced by Indo- benefit comparison because the only suitable nesian farmers to sustain the cocoa industry area was a two hectare A concept given priority by all the section within the cut flower farm I Indonesian value chain players are manage. Part of the area already the use of good quality seedlings. serves as production planting of There is an awareness that no amount our cut leaves. Among my questions of fertilizer or agronomic practice were can the cacao start fruiting in can compensate for poor quality short period of 2 to 3 years? seedlings. They believe in the phi- What is its production capacity? losophy of doing it right the first The actual performance of the time. Extensive efforts are poured crops have confirmed the short into research and development by fruiting time. Results of studies indithe government, academe and the cate high production harvests exprivate sector to develop good perienced with the application of clones and only after being tested GAP. and accepted can the seedlings be distributed to farmers. While most The importance of good quality nurseries visited were small in capac- seedlings in any crop production ity, they practice good nursery man- should be emphasized. But someagement. They prefer quality over times we forget the importance of quantity as shown in the use of big this concept and settle on someseedling bags that allow better thing less to be able to save on seedling growth but limit volume in costs or for some other reasons. the nursery. To page 6 Page 4

Cacao Watch Special Issue

Cruising the Cacao Trail

Wit Holganza poor farming practices coupled with the changes in climate patterns had tremendously decreased our yields. And I was at my wits end trying to figure out how we can increase our revenue from the 5 hectare lot. Charlys work assignments in Mindanao between 2006-2010 as well as my decision to start an IT training and outsourcing business in the city, paved the way for renewing ties with family and friends. The author promotes members products and pitching advoca- Periodically, we would cies for cacao as a frontliner at CIDAMis booth in the IFEX visit and have long & 2013 interesting exchanges over lunches with My foray into the agri-business Charlys foster family - the venture called Gran Verde is by no Puentespinas. It was during one of means an accident. My father was these visits that I had my big, audaa farmer at heart but a lawyer in cious moment triggered by a sampractice. Our frequent weekend pling of the wickedly delicious tablea trips to the familys Calinan farm cake matched with a fantastic Malaand camping adventures nurtured gos dessert wine made from Bignay. my affinity for natures flora and With the familys matriarch, Tita fauna. Chari passionately talking about Many years later when my Papa cacao and its potential, I started to and Mama finally heeded our ad- check and search for information vice for them to cash in on their about the crop. I also started buying properties and enjoy travel in their cacao seedlings from Malagos Garold age, I and my siblings invested dens while Charly continued investing in the acquisition of these proper- in other fruit trees such as durian, ties. Charly, my husband agreed mangosteen and rambutan. that our best bet was an investment Following an attendance in the 2010 in the Calinan farm. At the time of Phil Cacao Development Workshop, I acquisition, the contract-growing decided that volunteering and servagreement for pineapple was close ing the newly formed association to termination. We decided we will called CIDAMi- the Cacao Industry not renew but instead embark on Development Association of Mindeveloping the farm ourselves. danao Inc. will present more opporMangoes were Charlys top priority tunities for learning over the long and he would buy seedlings at term. It has been close to three years every opportunity until he had now since I joined CIDAMi and the about 250 trees over a spread of exciting ride has just begun. Concep1.5 hectares. With barely enough tualizing and managing the Kakao time for close supervision, mango Konek - the 1st Cacao International production was left to contract- Conference in 2012 made possible growers and we had the misfortune networking with local and global of engaging contractors who didnt value chain actors. Participating in care about long term health and the Sulawesi Cacao Study Tour gave productivity of our trees. After 10 me a glimpse of Indonesias cacao years, the prolonged application of industry, taught me to start things right and deepened my commitment Cacao Watch Special Issue to quality. I learned about benchmarking and local successes by listening to the opinions and experiences of fellow cacao stakeholders. Cruising the cacao trail, I see endless and exciting possibilities for a small farm operator such as myself. Gran Verde has just over 3000 cacao trees, about 1000 of these are now fruit bearing and I am convinced that small farm operators can dare to dream big. Gran Verdes dedicated team of earthlovers working the land and aspiring to become a model farm under the ACDI/VOCA-MARS-CIDAMi program will allow us to develop a consistent focus on good quality cacao beans. Gran Verde is gearing up to acquire the necessary technology to undertake value processing while developing the Gran Verde brand image. Who knows, the bean to bar vision may not be too far away? Then my Mama and Papa (bless their souls) can finally be assured that I have put to good use their investment in my nutrition and dietetics university education. Wit Holganza is the general manager of Gran Verde Farms and the President of MTC Academy. She also sits on the CIDAMI Board.

Cacao vs Cocoa:
Whats the difference?

The tree from which chocolate is derived is the cacao tree, otherwise known by its species name Theobroma cacao. After the cacao seeds are dried and fermented, they are known as cocoa. From this point, the beans can be processed into cocoa powder, cocoa butter, or chocolate. So the tree is cacao, and cocoa is the substance made from the cacao tree.
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The 2013 Sulawesi Cacao

decline in production due to problems encountered by major cacaoproducing countries especially in West Africa. Chocolate industry players are concerned that by the year 2020, the world will require more than one million metric tons to meet the increasing global demand. The significant gap between the demand and supply of quality cacao beans holds a vast opportunity for the Philippines to strengthen and expand its cacao industry. The country, despite its favorable agricultural conditions for growing cacao, only currently contributes 0.16% of the world supply. Of this small percentage, 90% are from Mindanao; 95% of the national production is used by local confectioners. Currently, Philippine cacao production is a meagre 8,000 MT while the domestic demand is at

from page 1)

30,000 MT. This is the reason why Philippines still imports from other vast livelihood opportunities and create agricultural value. With the countries. support of the stakeholders inAt present, the Philippine cacao volved in the cacao industry, couindustry is undergoing resurgence. pled with appropriate strategic In 2008, cacao was given a prior- action planning and implementaity and officially regarded as a tion, cacao produced by MinHigh-Value Crop by the Depart- danao farmers will become globment of Agriculture. Local farmers ally competitive. have increased their interest in the cultivation of cacao due to the Although there are continuous and huge demand in the local and on-going projects to promote cainternational markets. Farm gate cao farming since 2008 to present, prices have also been steadily there are still a number of factors that hamper the local cacao indusincreasing. try from achieving its fullest potenThe opportunity presented by the tial and be a formidable player in cacao industry is an advantage the market. Cacao production in for local farmers and will contrib- the country has been adversely ute in improving their quality of affected by pests, the steep rise in living. In addition, the increase in input costs especially fertilizers, cacao production will bring about varying weather conditions.

Quality seedlings: Foundations ( from page 4)

My company also experienced this and had to pay dearly for such mistakes. I share the experience of my company on the importance of the quality of our planting materials. Foremost are on our cut flower crops that have a short growing time. As long as the quality of our nursery production is good or the quality of refrigerated bulbs are maintained our problems on the field are minimized and so production recoveries are high.

Terima Kasih
CIDAMi and the participants are grateful to the following for their support and contribution to the success of the 2013 Sulawesi Cacao Study Tour.
US Department of Agriculture ACDI/VOCA Mr. Nick Richards The Local Governments of Davao Cocoa Sustainability Partnership (CSP) SwissContact SMKN Tomoni CV Saprotan UtamaSulawesi CVC Awo Siwa CVC Hassan Farm Desa Salu Paremang Selatan KecamanreLuwu Port of Makassar, Indonesia Toko Barana ACDI/VOCA Staff CIDAMi Staff Alimudin Mala Lovely Alfafara Katrina Surban Glory Jane Torres Darlen Miano

Even with our crops that have longer production City and Province of Davao Oriental time such as Gerbera and Orchids, good quality planting materials have shown better results. All The Indonesian ConsulateDavao cloned or tissue cultured planting materials, with City good growth in the nurseries resulted to faster Department of Trade and and vigorous growth on the field and shorter IndustryRegion XI growing time before flowering. The members of the Sulawesi tour group were one in the observation that cacao in Mindanao have great prospects in becoming a huge income earning industry. It has the potentials of generating dollar earnings from export market sales. But whether it will be local or export, production should be geared toward producing good quality beans. As such, the use of good quality seedlings becomes even more important. It is the foundation of a good cacao crop production. Engr. Angel P. Puentespina is an Agricultural Engineer and is the managing director of Puentespina Orchids & Tropical Plants Inc. Cacao Watch Special Issue
Kementerian Pertanian Republik Indonesia (Ministry of Agriculture) PT Mars Symbioscience Indonesia Mr. Ruud Engbers Ms Yanti Asmayanti Ms FayeFaye Choo Mr. Saiful Alam Mars Cocoa Development Center Mr. Hussin Bin Purung PT Armajaro Indonesia PT Olam Indonesia VECO Indonesia

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The Indonesian Cocoa Industry ( from page 2)

With its commitment to quality and sustainability, Mars International has been a leader in research and extension programs to small holder farms. One of its notable achievements is the establishment of the Mars Cocoa Development Center (MCDC), a facility that develops new cocoa clones, provides trainings to farmers and works with other value chain players to develop the industry in Indonesia. Once cocoa beans are exported from Indonesia they become part of the global trade in cocoa which includes multinational traders, processors and manufacturers. Multinational traders sell cocoa beans to processors and manufacturers around the world. Multinational processors are major producers of processed cocoa products (cocoa liquor, butter and cake). Multinational manufacturers are dedicated chocolate producers and are generally located close to their final consumer markets. There are also integrated multinational processors and manufacturers who are involved in multiple functions of processing and manufacturing of final products. One of the largest, Mars, has significant presence in Indonesia. cacao industry communication and pecially Vascular Streak Dieback collaboration and increased its (VSD) and Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB) are the primary causes of poor membership from five to 25. cocoa bean quality. Over the past CSP facilitates horizontal linkages few years, increased VSD and among cocoa traders in the indusCPB infestation and poor productry and provides a variety of techtion practices of smallholder farmnical and advocacy support serers in Sulawesi have led to devices including: collaborations and creased cocoa bean yields and information dissemination. Because reduced quality. In order to adof the size and complexity of the dress the problems of CPB infestaIndonesian cocoa industry, a numtion, various public and private ber of NGOs have set up offices in sector initiatives have been Indonesia, particularly in Sulawesi. launched to conduct research, train These NGOs are advised by CSP and improve the traditional pracwhich areas need more interventices of smallholder cocoa farmers tion then refer them to the conin Indonesia. cerned stakeholder group for furBased on extensive research and ther discussion and planning. field trials, a basic system of imThe NGOs working in the cocoa proved techniques in crop husindustry implement projects and bandry and integrated pest manprograms under four main priority agement was developed that can areas namely: Technology transeffectively mitigate and/or control fer/Capacity building, Farmer the negative impacts of VSD and empowerment, Certification and CPB infestations. Research and Development. The overall structure of the cocoa INDONESIAN COCOA CHALvalue chain in Indonesia continues LENGES to be rationally driven by volume Indonesias biggest competitive and price-based transactions. Congap is the inconsistency of cocoa formance to quality standards is bean quality. According to one beginning to take root in the conmultinational manufacturer, even a sciousness of many cacao farmers lower quality cocoa bean can be due to the premium price for qualused as long as its specifications ity and certified cocoa beans. are known and consistent. Although global buyers A new trend rising in the cocoa (multinational traders, processors industry is traceability and certifi- and manufacturers) have excation. Value chain players are pressed concerns with the inconsisworking hand in hand with interna- tent quality of Sulawesi beans, tional certification bodies Rainfor- most of them continue to source est Alliance and UTZ to ensure that from Indonesia because of its low farms adhere to a set of quality price and ability to produce the standards of the global market required volume. thus making their harvest more competitive.

MARKET AND INDUSTRY SUPPORT In 2006, the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership (CSP) was established in response to the need to organize the cacao industry players and bridge them to understand the emerging production and quality problems, communicate and develop mechanisms to enable the value chain to move towards the same direction. The forum was established by five organizations namely IFC, Mars International, ASKINDO, Dinas Perkebunan and Hasanuddin University. Since then, it has been the leading forum for all Widespread pest infestation, es-

For your inquiries and other concerns on cacao growing, accredited nurseries, capacity building trainings and membership to CIDAMi, you may get in touch with us at: Office: Phone: Email: Website: AMYA Bldg., Tulip Drive corner Quimpo Blvd., Ecoland Davao City 8000 Philippines (63) 082 321 5589 info@cacaomindanao.com www.cacaomindanao.com
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Cacao Watch Special Issue

Mindanao Cacao joins roster of Philippines finest

rue to the purpose for its Charita Puentespina, Lizabel Hol- essing cacao. Incidentally, Mincreation to move Philippine ganza, Evelyn Lavina, Dante danao cacao is fast becoming the cacao as a global brand, Muyco and the new CIDAMi presi- buzzword for quality and flavour the Cabased on the reviews of cao Industry Depopular names in the food velopment Assoand chocolate business. Ms ciation of MinHolganza added that there danao, Inc. were exchanges about how (CIDAMi) successMindanao is supplying its cafully participated cao beans to tablea makers in the Internaof Visayas and Luzon. This is tional Food Expo pointing to the potential for (IFEX) 2013 held harnessing the distinct flavour at the SMX Conof Mindanao-grown cavention Center, Pasay City last May 16-19, 2013. Now a biennial event, IFEX Philippines is the premier and most-respected international sourcing hub for the finest ethnic Asian food, ingredients and raw materials. Since 2004, the show has provided food and beverage companies the key venue to promote their products globally and establish and strengthen links with international buyers, importers, and retailers. On its ninth year, IFEX featured Asias best ethnic and specialty food like tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh sea foods and various natural and organic products. This year, the show welcomed exhibitors from other Asian countries like Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. During the four-day event, the CIDAMi booth received a big number of local and international visitors interested to know more about Mindanao cacao and its merits. They were welcomed by members of the CIDAMi board of directors

The CIDAMi Board promotes the Mindanao cacao industry and products to local and international visitors at this years IFEX.

cao. ASec Jopine Romero of DTI and CITEM's Rose Kwan expressed delight about Mindanaos growing cacao sector and restaurateurs expressed indent Rene Dalayon who were terest in using our cacao beans present to show their support and and tablea for their chocolate commitment to the industry. drink preparations and other recipes. The number of visits to the booth and the inquiries about cacao and IFEX was organized by the Cenits potential indicated serious in- ter for International Trade Expoterest from potential clients from sitions and Missions (CITEM), the both here and abroad. The export promotions arm of the amount of potential sales for the Department of Trade and Indusproducts featured from CIDAMi try (DTI) committed to creating members such as Chocolate de and nurturing a pool of globally San Isidro and Malagos Farms competitive exporters and manuindicate the same reveals Ms facturers. CITEMs programs are Holganza. geared towards small and medium scale manufacturers who The CIDAMi booth gave the IFEX need marketing and promotional guests and visitors a glimpse of assistance to make them productthe growing cacao industry in the and market-ready. Davao Region and many facets involved in cultivating and proc-