To ensure the quality of cacao beans exported, the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (CIDAMI) will establish a cocoa laboratory in Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City.
Philippine Cacao Industry Development Council (PCIDC) President and CIDAMI Executive Director Valente Turtur disclosed on Wednesday that the project will serve as the main facility which will determine the best variety and fine flavored beans to be exported.
“We had an agreement with the producers na before we export the beans, ato sang ipaagi sa lab (the beans should go through the lab),” said Turtur.
This project is an initiative of CIDAMI supported by United States Department of Agriculture through Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA).
Turtur said the laboratory which includes the facility and equipment, will cost PhP5 million.
“Equipment such as bean grading (machine) and that which will test the microns of chocolate (beans), its refinement, so we have the micrometer,” said Turtur.
At present, Turtur said CIDAMI has already come up with an initial amount of PhP1 million, enough to establish the facility and to purchase the machine for bean grading. However, he said the council will still propose to Department of Agriculture to provide funding for additional equipment.
“One step at a time. For now, we prioritize the bean quality,” said Turtur.
According to the PCIDC president, the facility will also show local producers the right equipment and good practices to ensure quality beans.
It will also equip them to be recognized by international award-giving bodies such as the International Cocoa Awards – Cocoa of Excellence program, the only event in the world celebrating the work of planters and the richness of expression of cocoa. This initiative, spreadheaded by Bioversity International and the Salon du Chocolat, helps further mutual awareness and reinforce collaborations between producers and chocolate makers.
This program aims to reward producers of high-quality cocoa, facilitate links between producers and chocolate makers and reveal the diversity and richness of the origins of cocoa.
In 2016, Malagos Premium 100 percent Unsweetened Chocolate was awarded the silver medal for the Drinking Chocolate (plain) category on Sunday during the Academy of Chocolate’s Eighth Golden Bean Awards in London.
The 100 percent unsweetened chocolate produced by Davao City-based Malagos Agri-Ventures Corp. won over the judges at the Academy of Chocolate’s Annual Awards. The company’s latest recognition was its third major international award.
