3 Oct 2025
Last September 23, 2025, Puratos Philippines celebrated a major milestone with the official launch of Belcolade Origins Noir Philippines 68% Cacao-Trace — a premium Belgian dark chocolate made from cacao beans grown in Mindanao. The event, held at Enderun, showcased the rich potential of Philippine cacao through a culinary experience led by chocolatier Christian Valdes, featuring both sweet and savory dishes crafted with the new chocolate.
“It is a bit more floral than most of the cacao that you find in the area. A bit more hearty also, so through fermentation, we try to get those flavor notes more pronounced,” said Bernard Poplimont, President and Managing Director of Puratos Philippines.
The article also highlights how the Cacao-Trace program ensures ethical sourcing and fair compensation for farmers, with a chocolate bonus of 10 euro cents per kg sold going directly to the cacao growers.
This launch not only elevates the global profile of Philippine cacao but also strengthens the connection between local farmers and the international chocolate industry.
👉 Access the full article here: BusinessWorld – Philippine cacao now found in Belgian chocolate
