The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) eyes better growth in the local cacao sector as Japanese department store giant Isetan Mitsukoshi Group will be sourcing its cacao beans from Davao for its new chocolate brand.

In a statement released on Thursday, Feb. 22, Isetan will be importing from Plantacion de Sikwate Cacao Producers Association in Davao for its Nayuta Chocolatasia. According to DTI, 80% of the country’s total cacao production is found in the Davao region.

Undersecretary fro Trade and Investment Promotions Group Nora K. Terrado said the department is seeing a lot of budding cacao manufacturers and producers amid the government’s continuing implementation of agro-business industry roadmaps.

“The presence of Philippine cacao beans in the mainstream Japanese market is a clear manifestation that our produce are truly world-class,” she added.

“With sufficient support and aggressive marketing strategies being implemented by various private and public sector partners, we hope more and more Philippine goods will join the global market.” — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

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