Demand for cacao farmers high, say
THERE is currently a high demand for cacao farmers in Davao City, said Puntespina Farms founder Charito Puentespina.
AS the city is pushing towards its goal of being the Chocolate and Cacao Capital of the Philippines, many local chocolate processors have started to venture into the business. It was March of last year when Philippine Cacao Industry Development Council (PCIDC) president Valente Turtur told Sunstar Davao that they have submitted a resolution to the Regional Development Council (RDC) to declare Davao Region as the cacao and chocolate capital of the Philippines.
“I’m looking for a project which would create an exclusive chocolate pasalubong center in Davao City. When tourists would visit Davao and they want to see cacao plantations or buy different kinds of chocolates, they have a specific place to go to. Somehow this would help enhance the development of our chocolate processors,” said Turtur earlier.
Late last year, the Cacao City in Pasalubong Center was opened housing and showcasing the products of 15 cacao players in Davao City. According to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio during its opening, they envision it to be a venue for buyers and suppliers alike. This is also envisioned to be a venue where small medium enterprises and more small farmers get into cacao farming and processing.
However, with this fast increasing demand for cacao and chocolates, Puentespina said there is currently a shortage and a high demand for cacao farmers who will actually plant and manage the cacao trees.
“The cacaos and the chocolates of Davao City is award-winning and thus sought after. With this increasing demand is also the demand for more cacao farmers who will grow the cacaos themselves,” said Puentespina during the Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference held yesterday, July 2, at the SM City Davao.
She added by the end of July, five to six chocolate processors in Davao City will be going to Hong Kong for a trade fair there. According to Puentespina, this continued expos and trade fairs showcasing local Davao chocolates prove the heightened interest of fellow Filipinos and foreigners with the Davao chocolates. To sustain, more cacao farmers will be needed as well.