Filipino Chocolate Guide: From History to Local Brands
When you think of the Philippines, you think of things like mangoes, bananas, adobo, and maybe even singing. It's a country whose main agricultural output comprises rice and coconuts. You would never think that the Philippines made its own chocolate, much less grow it. Chocolate is usually associated with the likes of Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland – European countries that do not grow cacao beans at all. That being said, here's a look at what Filipino chocolate is really like and why it deserves your attention as much as chocolate from other countries.
History of Philippine Chocolate
Cacao is actually not native to the Philippines. During the Spanish colonial period, cacao plants from Latin America were brought over to the Philippines on regular trade ships known as galleons between Manila and Acapulco. In the Philippines, chocolate and mango is a very popular combination. Originally, cacao was consumed in a similar manner to that of Central America.
Philippines consumed cacao in the form of tablea, little tablets of pure unsweetened dark chocolate. Due to the similarity in climate between Central America and the Philippines, the industry flourished. Filipino cacao was widespread in its heyday and made it all across South East Asia. In fact, the cacao tree was so common that it could be found in the backyards of houses.
The Philippine Cacao Industry
After a booming start, poor planning and management, along with disease led to the industry's demise. Recent strides have been occurring in the industry, however, and as of 2013, the country is a net exporter of cacao beans and fruit. Today, Filipino chocolate is produced in three main regions:
- Davao region: The largest producer and home to at least 20,000 hectares of cacao farms.
- Central Visayas region: Home to 1% of all cacao grown in the country, featuring a relatively small collection of cacao farmers.
- Batangas: Considered a major producer of Barako Coffee, where cacao is usually turned into tablea de cacao and considered a local delicacy.
The following table summarizes the key characteristics of these production regions:
| Region | Significance | Key Products |
|---|---|---|
| Davao Region | Largest producer; Chocolate capital of the Philippines | Dark chocolate bars, Unsweetened chocolate |
| Central Visayas | Small-scale artisanal production | Single-origin chocolate bars |
| Batangas | Traditional delicacy center | Tablea de cacao, Barako Coffee |
Filipino Chocolate Brands and Products
Explore high-quality chocolate products made by local brands. This close relationship between chocolate makers and farmers gives Filipino chocolate an artisanal quality. As a result, many producers sell single-origin chocolate bars and other chocolate products.
Malagos Chocolate
Among Filipino chocolate brands, Malagos Chocolate stands out. The brand originates from Davao City, which is now recognized as the chocolate capital of the Philippines. Malagos is known mostly for its dark chocolate bars. The company also produces unsweetened chocolate and chocolate-covered almonds. The company's chocolate products have won numerous awards in the International Chocolate Awards.
Auro Chocolate
Auro is another well-known chocolate brand in the Philippines. Auro, like Malagos, has received several medals from the International Chocolate Awards. These dishes are created in collaboration with partners all over the world. Auro prioritizes external partnerships and high-quality artisanal production.
Goya Chocolates
Goya Chocolates are made by Delfi, loved and trusted by Filipinos. Through meticulous research, including time-perfected recipes plus safe handling and processing of top-quality raw materials, Delfi is now able to make chocolates as perfect as possible to meet consumers’ discriminating demands. The scientific side in making chocolate involves putting up a dedicated team of product experts to oversee all chocolate-making activities. These premium-quality and affordable brands are what every chocolate-loving Filipino rightfully deserves.
Traditional Confections
The local market also features unique items like Filipino chocolate-filled barquillos and Knick Knacks. Whether it is chocolate from the Philippines or chocolate-filled barquillos, these products are a perfect fit to the Filipino chocolate palate. Precise timing and temperature of the cocoa is always carefully observed to make that signature taste in every chocolate.
