The National Cacao Congress will support local cacao and boost sales
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CACAO CONGRESS. Dante Muyco, chairperson of the Davao Regional Cacao Industry Council, bares the importance of the National Cacao Congress 2023 on Nov. 16-17 for Mindanaoan farmers, during a press conference in Davao City on Tuesday (Nov. 7, 2023). At least 81 percent of the Philippines’ cacao output comes from Mindanao. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
MindanaoHerald | The National Cacao Congress will support local cacao and boost sales | DAVAO CITY – An official said Tuesday that the National Cacao Congress 2023, which will be held in this city on Nov. 16 and 17, is seen as a great chance to show off local cacao and learn how to make it better.
The head of the Davao Regional Cacao Industry Council, Dante Muyco, also told the cacao farmers that they should aim for a yield of 2 kg of quality dry beans per tree. This is a standard that will help the Philippines compete in the global export market.
“People want chocolate more, and we want to get at least 2 kg of dry beans from each tree.” According to what we saw, though, each tree will only get at least 800 grams, Muyco said at a press conference here.
He said that to solve the problem, cacao experts were asked to talk about how to make the business more productive and long-lasting at the upcoming event.
“Every year, the Philippines eats about 50,000 MT (metric tons) of cacao, and the demand around the world is rising at a rate of 10% per year.” He said, “We are still too far away to meet the world’s needs of 5 million MT per year.”
He said that the Davao region’s good weather makes it possible for it to increase output to meet the rising demand for cacao.
According to Muyco, the area was named the cocoa Capital of the Philippines in 2021 by Republic Act 11547, which shows how important it is for growing cocoa.
81% of the cocoa produced in the Philippines comes from Mindanao, so farmers there need to raise the quality and quantity of their crops, he said.
The summit has plenary sessions, group discussions, and workshops that cover a wide range of topics related to growing cacao, improving quality, and making the industry more sustainable.
An exhibition with 85 booths where people in the cacao business can show off their goods and services is one of the best parts of the event. (via PNA)
