Davao del Norte has reentered the international premium cacao market after more than a decade with the export of six metric tons of premium dried, fermented cacao beans to New Zealand.
The shipment, loaded at Panabo Port on June 30, was produced by the Kapalong Cooperative after securing a supply agreement with New Zealand-based premium cacao trader Rautini Ltd.
The export marks a milestone for the province’s cacao industry, which has benefited from government support aimed at improving production, bean quality, and market access.
Romeo Castanaga, regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 11 (DTI 11), said the shipment reflects years of collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.
“This export milestone reflects the strong collaboration between the government and the private sector. It is the result of sustained government support for the cacao industry, particularly through the DTI’s RAPID Growth Project, which has helped improve farm productivity, enhance the quality of cacao beans, and expand cacao production areas covered under the Kapalong Cooperative supply chain,” Castanaga told Edge Davao.
Castanaga said the commitment of cacao farmers and the cooperative was equally important in meeting the quality requirements of the export market.
“Equally important is the unwavering commitment, hard work, and openness of our cacao farmers and the cooperative in adopting improved technologies, good agricultural practices, and post-harvest fermentation protocols, enabling them to meet the quality standards of the New Zealand export market,” he said.
The DTI-Davao del Norte and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 11 supported the export by providing technical assistance, market linkages, and guidance on meeting international quality standards.
Officials said the shipment is expected to expand market opportunities for local cacao growers while reinforcing Davao del Norte’s position in the global premium cacao value chain.
The province’s latest export sends cacao harvested in Kapalong to chocolate makers in New Zealand, marking its return to the international market after more than a decade.
