5 must-try Filipino chocolate brands
Here's a fun fact: Switzerland, Belgium, and France - while known for their chocolates - actually don't have cacao farms.
This is because cacao trees only grow well in countries with a humid tropical climate.
Countries located near the equator with regular rains and short dry season is the most conducive environment for growing cacao.
The Philippines is part of these countries that can nurture and grow cacao trees.
Cacao farms are located in various provinces and regions across the country. However, key cacao locations are in Batangas, Cebu, and Mindanao, particularly in the Davao Region.
The truth is we're still lagging behind in terms of cacao production volume, farming, and processing technology, and exporting - pretty much the essential elements needed to grow our cacao industry.
But there's some positive news as well. Over the past couple of years, there's been an increase in chocolate brands that are proudly Filipino owned.
Even more impressive is the fact that these brands are thinking global - from the variations to the packaging to marketing.
Their goal is to promote and prove that the Philippines is capable of creating chocolate products at par with international standards.
Malagos
Image Source: facebook.com/malagos.chocolate
Malagos have come a long way from its small cacao farm origins in 1963 in Tigakpan, Davao City.
Today, the multi-awarded brand is recognized not just at home but internationally as well. It had won more than 50 international awards as of today.
A pending bill in Congress is seeking to declare Davao City as the “Chocolate and Cacao Production Capital of the Philippines,” citing the success of Malagos as one of the basis for the proposal.
Auro
Image Source: facebook.com/aurochocolate
Launched in 2015, Auro has positioned itself as a brand to reckon with in the local chocolate industry. It too had won numerous international awards including five gold medals in the recently concluded International Chocolate Awards 2020.
Auro advocates sustainable practices in its production. What's more, the company is consistently coming up with more chocolate varieties with flavors like mango-pili white chocolate, milk chocolate with banana chips, and its vegan line of chocolates.
Another must-try is their stable of gelato treats with flavors such as cappuccino, hazelnut stracciatella, and vegan chocolate.
Co Chocolat
Image Source: facebook.com/cochocolatreal
Based in Agusan Del Sur, Co Chocolat is dedicated to creating chocolates that are both healthy and delightful to the palate. Dubai-based founders and sisters Iman and Luchie Suguitan founded the company as a social enterprise to help local farmers earn from their cacao produce.
Co Chocolat's interesting product line includes white milk chocolate with moringa and green tea matcha, dark chocolate with turmeric and black pepper, dark chocolate with dates, cranberry and almonds, and dark chocolate with coconut sugar, among many others.
Also worth tasting is their gianduja spreads, which come in hazelnut, peanut butter, and cashew.
Theo + Philo
Image Source: facebook.com/TheoAndPhilo
From dark chocolate with calamansi to dark chocolate with green mango to dark chocolate with ginger mint - trust Theo + Philo to come up with the most unusual combination.
The brand source is cacao beans in Davao, Mindanao, and sugar in Bacolod. The results are delicious, quality chocolates that can compete with the best of them. Check out also the brand's other selection like its crunchy peanut chocolate spread and coated mango with chocolate.
Hiraya Chocolate
Image Source: facebook.com/hirayachocolates
If you think some of the product names we've mentioned are amusing, wait until you try Hiraya's line of sweet treats.
The brand takes pride in promoting sustainable practices and incorporating a Filipino theme on its product line. Not convinced? Then take a bite of their chicharon (spicy dark chocolate with crunchy pork rinds) and queso de bola (dark chocolate with Edam cheese chunks) to find out.