Achievement unlocked! Saloy Filipino farmers’ new Philippine-origin cacao beans cultivated in partnership with Auro Chocolate have been recognized among the World’s Top 50. This prestigious accolade, awarded at the Cacao of Excellence Awards 2023 in France, marks a significant milestone in their journey from local fields to global fame.
Saloy Organic Farmers Association (SOFA), represented by Judith Gabasa and under the auspices of Auro Chocolate, made their indelible mark on the international stage as one of the Top 50 Best Cacao Producers awarded at the Cacao of Excellence Awards at Salon du Chocolat in Paris last October.
Their selection for this honor follows a victorious showing at the Philippine Cacao Quality Awards in 2022, which earned them the right to compete at the International Cocoa Awards (ICA) in Paris. SOFA’s success story began in Barangay Saloy, Calinan District, Davao City, where Auro Chocolate’s Organic Conversion Program took root in 2021. This partnership has been flourishing since 2015, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and organic farming practices.
A Rigorous Journey to the Top
Competing against 222 cacao bean samples from 52 countries, SOFA’s beans underwent extensive evaluation. The Cacao of Excellence’s R&D Laboratory performed meticulous blind sensory analyses from May to September 2023. The result? SOFA’s beans were chosen by an expert committee for their exceptional quality, propelling them into the top 50 of global cacao production.
Towards the Ultimate Chocolate Excellence
As part of the elite Best 50, the next challenge for SOFA is the final round of the Cacao of Excellence Awards. Their beans will be crafted into dark chocolate and assessed by renowned cacao and chocolate experts to determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze award recipients. The winners will be announced at the Cacao of Excellence Awards Ceremony on February 8, 2024, at Chocoa, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Continuing the Legacy of Excellence
This recognition is not the first for Auro Chocolate’s partners. In 2019, Davao farmer Jose Saguban was honored with the Top 20 Best Cacao Beans in the World award, highlighting the consistent excellence achieved through this collaboration.
Celebrating Filipino Flavors and Sustainability
Auro Chocolate continues to revolutionize the chocolate industry, fostering direct partnerships with local farmers. This collaboration not only ensures top-notch cacao beans but also highlights the unique, bold tropical flavors of Filipino chocolate. As Auro Chocolate, known for its tree-to-bar approach and commitment to sustainability, and its farmer partners celebrate this global recognition, they reaffirm their commitment to elevating Filipino cacao on the world stage.
Join the Celebration of Filipino Excellence
Share this story of Filipino triumph and support our local farmers in their journey to global recognition. Let’s spread the word and take pride in our nation’s remarkable achievements in sustainable agriculture and chocolate production.
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