The Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) reported that cacao production in the region has gone up in the first quarter of 2026.

Based on data, DA-11 said cacao production in the first quarter reached more than 2,000 metric tons, higher by 16 percent compared to the 1,900 metric tons recorded in the same period in 2025.

At present, cacao farms in the region cover more than 100 hectares.

DA-11 said efforts are being strengthened to support cacao farmers, expand farms, and promote cacao, especially with high demand in the international market.

“Continuous ang atoang expansion sa atong cacao sa Davao Region through sa pag-provide og planting materials, mga seedlings sa farmers, cooperatives and association. Naga-provide ta og fertilizers para sa pag-improve sa production para sa existing and old cacao trees sa Davao Region,” DA-11 Regional Focal For Industrial Crops, John Paul Matugas, said.

Davao City is recognized as the chocolate capital of the Philippines while the Davao Region is the cacao capital.

Products such as cacao matcha, cacao whisky, and cacao raisins are among those that will be promoted during the Duaw Davao Festival this month.

“We really wanted na ang cacao in Davao is to open this to Davao Tourism para mas mapromote ang cacao natin we have the quality we have the supply we really want to promotoe this type of industry,” Cacao de Davao Founder, Ethan Kyle Lim, said.

Cacao beans are sourced directly from local farmers. However, there is a need to expand cacao farms due to rising demand.

“One of our advocacy kasi is to support cooperatives and farmers we buy our beans from them to improve the quality na meron sila. One thing na masustain natin ito is to expand the farm and open a lot of opportunities para mas marami pang maengganyo farmers to sustain cacao farming,” Lim added.